Friday 28th March 2008
(ref:
93/2008)
A Wigan council tenant who brandished a handgun and fired a ‘blank’ cartridge at terrified central heating contractors has been evicted from his home.
Henry Ronnay, of Humber Place, Norley Hall, was arrested in January (Monday 14th) this year and charged with “possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence”, following what should have been a routine repairs visit by two workers from the specialist gas contractor BHE.
Although the Crown Prosecution Service chose not to take further action in the criminal courts, Wigan & Leigh Housing yesterday (27th March) secured possession of the property following a hearing at Wigan County Court.
Reflecting the gravity of the offence, District Judge Smith granted the Possession Order with immediate effect, forcing 66 year old Mr Ronnay to hand over the keys straight away or face the bailiffs. Mr Ronnay was not in court, but the keys were later handed in.
Wigan & Leigh Housing Chief Executive, Ashley Crumbley says:
“This was a horrendous ordeal for anyone to face. The two workers were simply trying to provide a service to tenants.
“The action we have taken shows again that we are not willing to tolerate anti-social behaviour from tenants and we will take the appropriate action to protect the people who work for us.”
