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Leeds minister driven out by thug EXCLUSIVE
A gay minister has been forced to move into a caravan after suffering months of abuse at the hands of a teenage neighbour.
The Reverend Christopher Denton left Moor Grange Court in West Park, Leeds – his home for almost 20 years – after he was allegedly tormented with homophobic insults and threats from next-door neighbour Alex Adams, 19.
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Adams, who moved into a first-floor flat in April 2009, drove three
residents from their homes after a string of reported incidents, including violence, criminal damage and late-night parties with gangs of youths.
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But his reign of terror has been ended. Yesterday at Leeds Magistrates' Court he was evicted from the nine-storey block of flats, with 16 witnesses arriving to give evidence about his bad behaviour.
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Granting a premises closure order, District Judge David Kitson said: "There are some 31 complaints in total, ranging from loud music, abusive and vulgar language, violence and threats of violence against neighbours who have dared to complain.
"Large numbers of young people congregate at the premises at all hours, often in drink, creating such concern and fear for the residents that three of them have left the flats and are frightened to return whilst Mr Adams remains a threat."
Leeds City Council applied for the closure order after a string of complaints from neighbours, including intimidating behaviour from Adams and his visitors, who were accused of shouting lewd comments at schoolgirls and who once allegedly threw a fridge from the balcony.
The parties often escalated into violence between gangs of youths, residents had complained. Screaming and swearing was also heard coming from the flat and damage was caused to communal areas.
Some residents spoke of suffering threats at the hands of Adams.
Adams, who lived with his brother Daniel, 24, attended yesterday's hearing but did not contest the application from Leeds City Council, which is also applying at Leeds County Court for possession of the flat.
After the hearing, Inspector Simon Jessup, of the north west inner neighbourhood policing team, said: "This is great news for residents of Moor Grange Court. It is completely unacceptable for people to behave in (this] way.
"This case clearly shows the sort of action we can take alongside our partners in the council to bring a lasting long-term solution."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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