Evicted Bristol father and son move into new flat . . . in the same building

A father and his teenage son who made residents' lives a misery have been evicted from their Brentry flat.

Michael Mullen, 42, and his son Ashley, 19, kept neighbours awake all night with loud music and anti-social behaviour.

But after their eviction yesterday the pair immediately moved into a property just a few doors away from their old flat.

Bristol City Council, which evicted the Mullens, could not stop them moving on to the nearby property but have warned its tenant that they could lose their home if the problems start again.

The council acted after receiving complaints from irate residents in Roselarge Gardens about Mr Mullen and his son, who is also subject to a court injunction banning him from Henbury because of anti-social behaviour.

Prior to moving in on October 27 last year, Mr Mullen had signed an agreement that he would behave in his flat because he has a history of anti-social behaviour.

But by January the council started receiving complaints and by August there was numerous complaints of:

Excessive loud music being played on a daily basis and at unsociable hours

Youths congregating outside the address and in communal areas, resulting in drunken behaviour and fights

Cars pulling up at all hours of day and night

A constant smell of cannabis from the flat and in the communal area

Banging of doors at unsociable hours, dogs left tied up in communal areas, security doors wedged open putting other tenants at risk of crime and theft

Dog faeces, cans and beer bottles left in communal gardens

Various noisy parties being held and abusive comments made out loud about neighbours.

Mr Mullen had repeated warnings from the council and an outright possession order for August 13 was obtained.

But on that date Mr Mullen refused to leave the property so the council applied to the courts for a warrant of eviction, which was executed at 1.45pm yesterday.

Mr Mullen happily handed over the keys to number 16 before making the 15-metre journey to his new residence at number 10, where it is believed his girlfriend may live.

Members of the council team entered number 16 and changed the locks to ensure Mr Mullen could not return.

It is understood that because Mullen has been evicted for anti-social behaviour he cannot be on the housing list.

Despite the city council having the power to evict them they now have no control over their movements.

Councillor Gary Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, said: "It is difficult because some of the national guidelines do tie your hands a bit, but if he has moved in with a relative or friend close by then his behaviour will be continually monitored and if they are a council tenant their tenancy will be at risk."

He added: "We have given Mr Mullen and his son every chance to improve their behaviour but they have continued to cause havoc in their area, which we will not tolerate for the sake of local people."

Avon and Somerset Constabulary anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Joanne Turner said: "Offenders need to understand that the police in partnership with Bristol City Council are determined to protect victims, witnesses and communities from nuisance behaviour."