Sandwell Council welcomes a Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court decision to fine former tenant John Grove who illegally sublet a council property in Cradley Heath for a period of seven months in 2018.

A warrant was issued for 70-year-old Mr Grove’s arrest when he failed to attend court on 27 January 2021.

The case came before a District Judge at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday 28 March 2022 after Mr Grove was arrested at the airport attempting to board a flight back to Switzerland, where he now lives.

Mr Grove pleaded guilty to dishonestly subletting his council tenancy without permission contrary to the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013. He was fined £250 and was ordered to pay compensation and a contribution towards costs.

An Unlawful Profit Order was also made in respect of the income that he received from the property being sub-let.

Mr Grove paid the total sum of £5,426.60 in full so as to avoid spending 60 days in custody.