By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-16 13:41:29 | Updated at 2025-01-16 16:59:39
3 hours ago
Two directors of a supported housing company have been sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court after unlawfully evicting a vulnerable young woman while claiming £25,000 in taxpayers' money for her care.
Kimberley Bethell, 38, and Davinder Chall, 41, from Phoenix Supported Housing, pleaded guilty to unlawful eviction and breaking the Unfair Trading Act 1998.
The pair, based at All Saints Road, were meant to provide safe accommodation for the tenant, known as Natasha, at a property on Park Street South, Wolverhampton.
Instead, they harassed her and demanded she leave within seven days, despite knowing she had nowhere else to go.
The company failed to provide any meaningful support to the vulnerable tenant
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Kimberley Bethell, 38, and Davinder Chall, 41, from Phoenix Supported Housing have been sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court
Phoenix Supported Housing
Prosecutor Mark Jackson told the court: "They were paid over £25,000 to look after a vulnerable young woman. Instead, they effectively harassed her and then unlawfully evicted her."
"They could not have cared if she had ended up living out of a cardboard box," he added.
Judge Recorder Joanne Barker condemned the directors' actions as "thoroughly wicked" during sentencing.
"You took advantage of a vulnerable person, the very person that you and your company claimed to assist and support," she said.
"You bullied her, you harassed her, all whilst claiming to be there to support her."
Bethell and Chall each received nine-month suspended sentences for 18 months, with Bethell ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and Chall to attend 25 rehabilitation days.
The court heard how Phoenix Supported Housing transferred their business electricity account into Natasha's name and signed her up to bills without her knowledge
PA
Both directors must pay Natasha £1,500 compensation within 12 months.
Phoenix Supported Housing was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £15,000 towards Wolverhampton Council's legal costs.
The company, a Community Interest Company with over 40 properties, reported a turnover exceeding £200,000 for 2022 and 2023.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Guram Ahmed said there had only been problems with one tenant, adding that the directors had shown remorse for their actions.
Wolverhampton Council is now reviewing its dealings with the company.
