Nightmare Gateshead tenant jailed

A tenant in Gateshead has been jailed for six months for his repeated threatening behaviour and physical violence.

The Gateshead Housing Company sought an injunction against Nathan Reay, a tenant of Warwick Court in central Gateshead, following a series of anti-social behaviour incidents in the block of flats.

The offences dated from June last year, and in recent months had increased in severity and frequency.

Due to the escalation of his behaviour and the increasing risks to the safety of others, an application was made to court on 20 March of this year for an injunction without notice.

A further hearing on 28 March granted a full 12-month injunction.

Only three weeks later, on 19 April, Reay breached his injunction when he entered Gateshead Civic Centre and was abusive and aggressive to staff. During this visit he also assaulted a male employee by grabbing and pushing.

Reay was arrested and taken into police custody.

He appeared at Gateshead County Court on 25 April, where he fully admitted the allegations. The judge deemed Reay’s actions to be a serious breach of the injunction and sentenced him to 26 weeks’ imprisonment.

Neil Bouch, The Gateshead Housing Company’s Director of Customers and Communities, said: “We want to help people feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods, and in addition we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour towards employees.”

“We have been working with Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police and, following the breach of his injunction, we will now seek to evict Mr Reay.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Mick Robson said: “It is a really positive result to see this individual put behind bars, and his conviction will make Gateshead a better place to live.”