Driveway dweller gets injuction

A man who lived on his ex-partner’s driveway in a transit van has been given an injunction banning him from the premises.

Brian Hinksman, 62, formerly of Sherwood, moved into the van after his relationship with the female tenant of the property broke down. The tenant, who lives in the Nottingham City Homes property with her five children, had been subjected to harassment and intimidation by her ex-partner and despite her requests, Hinksman refused to leave.

Hinksman also managed to steal electricity from the property by manufacturing an outside plug taken from the property’s mains supply. He previously denied having a key to the property but during investigations was discovered to have a copy.

On 29 July 2011 at Nottingham County Court, a one-year Anti Social Behaviour Injunction was obtained against Hinksman, forbidding him from harassing the victim or her children and returning to the address. Hinksman, who attended court, was ordered to remove his van within 28 days. He was given one day, pre determined by solicitors to be escorted to the premises to remove the vehicle. If not, it will be removed and destroyed.

Councillor Alex Norris, portfolio holder for community safety, area working and cleansing said: “This is a very unusual case, but one that needed immediate action. The tenant and her children have been extremely brave after being subjected to threats and abuse.

“Brian Hinksman has affected this family in every way possible by forcing himself into their lives and not respecting their wishes for him to leave. He was given every opportunity to resolve the situation without court action being sought, but refused any help from supporting agencies.

“The PCSO and ASB officer spent a vast amount of time working on the case and supporting the family. Their commitment to resolving the case was crucial to removing Brian Hinksman from Joyce Avenue. We were able to obtain an injunction to remove the offender within weeks of the tenant reporting the problems, due to excellent partnership working between Nottingham Police, Nottingham City Homes and Community Protection.”

Gill Moy, director of housing at Nottingham City Homes, said: “This is an unusual case, but one that was important to resolve as soon as possible. Clearly Mr Hinksman has caused a great deal of distress to his former partner and her children, and as soon as we were made aware of the problem in July we took immediate action. Nobody should have to live like that and face harassment on a daily basis.”