A tenant in Truro, Cornwall, has been evicted from her council-owned home after a four-year reign of terror including an incident when she tried to cut her partner’s throat with a knife.
Lesley Odendaal moved to George Street in Truro in 2009. Since then neighbours have complained of banging on doors, loud music, shouting, arguing, swearing and fighting.
Odendaal's antisocial behaviour increased and resulted in a terrifying incident in November 2012 when attached her partner with a knife. Cornwall Housing said that after the initial assault she chased him through the communal hallway and stabbed the knife into the door of the property in which he tried to hide.
After the incident Odendaal was convicted of assault causing grievous bodily harm and carrying a bladed article. She received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Cornwall Housing served an injunction on Odendaal, preventing her from returning to the property. After a three-day hearing at Truro Crown Court Cornwall Housing gained outright possession of the house.
Judge Cotter, QC, said the organisation had done all it could to try and help its tenant and that it was justified in its action in seeking her eviction.
Adam Fitzpatrick, Cornwall Housing neighbourhood enforcement manager, said: "This was a very difficult case as Mrs Odendaal's behaviour was extreme and her actions must have been terrifying for her neighbours to witness.
"I hope that this will give some comfort to Mrs Odendaal's neighbours and sends out a message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated."
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