Negligent landlord fails to face the music: £1,391.82 fine for ongoing waste offences at Gateshead property
This week, short-term let manager Christopher Alexander failed to attend court in relation to a property under his management on Bewick Road - but justice was still served. The magistrates heard the case in his absence, resulting in a total penalty of £1,391.82, including a fine of £750, costs of £374.40 and compensation of £267.42.
The case, which began before the formation of Gateshead Council's Environmental Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Team in January 2025, marks the end of months of persistent enforcement against Alexander's neglect and disregard for the local community.
Officers have collectively visited the property over 20 times since February 2025, responding to ongoing complaints about waste accumulation, pest infestations and public nuisance caused by the mismanagement of the short-term let.
What started as piles of uncollected rubbish quickly became a breeding ground for rats and flies, leaving neighbours to suffer the fallout. The situation epitomises the "broken window theory" in action one neglected property dragging down the wellbeing of an entire community.
Despite multiple Community Protection Notices, formal reminders, and emails, Alexander repeatedly ignored requests to remove waste or provide evidence of a waste contract. After a works-in-default operation by Gateshead Council on 10 March 2025 cleared the site, the problem swiftly returned, a sign of total disregard for enforcement and community standards.
When invited to attend a formal interview to discuss the breaches, Mr Alexander failed to show up, leading directly to today's court decision.
Kevin Scarlett, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities said:
"Thank you to everyone who reported concerns and supported our officers in keeping Gateshead clean and safe. This case demonstrates our commitment to holding negligent landlords to account. No one should have to live next to waste and vermin because of another person's carelessness. The message is clear: if you ignore enforcement, we will act."
This week, short-term let manager Christopher Alexander failed to attend court in relation to a property under his management on Bewick Road - but justice was still served. The magistrates heard the case in his absence, resulting in a total penalty of £1,391.82, including a fine of £750, costs of £374.40 and compensation of £267.42.
The case, which began before the formation of Gateshead Council's Environmental Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Team in January 2025, marks the end of months of persistent enforcement against Alexander's neglect and disregard for the local community.
Officers have collectively visited the property over 20 times since February 2025, responding to ongoing complaints about waste accumulation, pest infestations and public nuisance caused by the mismanagement of the short-term let.
What started as piles of uncollected rubbish quickly became a breeding ground for rats and flies, leaving neighbours to suffer the fallout. The situation epitomises the "broken window theory" in action one neglected property dragging down the wellbeing of an entire community.
Despite multiple Community Protection Notices, formal reminders, and emails, Alexander repeatedly ignored requests to remove waste or provide evidence of a waste contract. After a works-in-default operation by Gateshead Council on 10 March 2025 cleared the site, the problem swiftly returned, a sign of total disregard for enforcement and community standards.
When invited to attend a formal interview to discuss the breaches, Mr Alexander failed to show up, leading directly to today's court decision.
Kevin Scarlett, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities said:
"Thank you to everyone who reported concerns and supported our officers in keeping Gateshead clean and safe. This case demonstrates our commitment to holding negligent landlords to account. No one should have to live next to waste and vermin because of another person's carelessness. The message is clear: if you ignore enforcement, we will act."
