Tenants evicted after drugs crackdown

Arron Brown and Scott Rowlinson, who both lived on the Manor Farm estate at Rawmarsh, have been evicted by Rotherham Borough Council after the authority gained possession orders from the Rotherham County Court.

Twenty-six-year-old Brown was evicted from his home at Central Drive last month after a 14-day possession order was granted on January 5 at Rotherham County Court.

The court heard that two separate hydroponics systems feeding about 65 cannabis plants were found on the property in June last year by South Yorkshire Police.

This was followed last Monday by the eviction of 36-year old Rowlinson from his home at Dawson Avenue, after a trial was held at the County Court earlier this year following the discovery of nine cannabis plants at the property. 

A warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 was executed in April last year and the mature plants were found hanging on a line over a single bed.

At the trial in January, Rowlinson’s solicitor said he was motivated to turning his life around.

However, Justin Crossley, who was representing Rotherham Borough Council, pointed out that Rowlinson had a received a number of opportunities but still carried on having drugs at the council-owned property.

District for Rotherham Judge Bellamy said there was sufficient evidence for the council to serve a Notice of Intention of Seeking Possesion and make an application for a possession order.

On making the 14-day possession order, Judge Bellamy said that it was reasonable and proportionate to make an outright possession order.