You will recall that in our Autumn Bulletin we wrote about squatting becoming a criminal offence. We can now report that there have already been convictions.
A 21-year-old man has become the first person to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment following the changes, which include the introduction of police powers to enter a property in order to arrest a person suspected of squatting. Under the new law, a person may be liable for a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a prison term of not more than 51 weeks on conviction.
Alex Haigh, who was found to have been squatting in a housing association flat in Pimlico, London, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, having pleaded guilty to the charge. He was arrested the day after the new legislation came into force, along with two others: Anthony Ismond, who was given a fine of £100 but who will also be imprisoned due to a breach of his license; and Michelle Blake, who is yet to be sentenced. It is unclear as yet whether Mr Haigh will appeal the decision.
The sentence has been criticised as the building in question had been empty for over a year. Campaigners also fear that this will lead to a rise in the number of homeless people, as squatters leave residential properties in order to avoid a criminal record.
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