Sheffield “landlord” evicted student and forced him to shelter in library

Christian Pepple took over the tenancy of the Wharncliffe Side flat, in February 2018, claiming he had to flee his family home following domestic abuse, prosecutor Kevin Jones said.

But at the time he was also buying a house with his wife in Southey Green, the court heard on Wednesday.

A Sheffield Hallam student, who moved into the Wharncliffe Side flat, in April 2018, was told by Pepple that "he didn't need an agreement due to their shared Nigerian background."

But relations between the pair deteriorated after Pepple, who only stayed one night at the flat, increased the rent and then refused to put any bills in the student's name.

He later sent his tenant a threatening note, Mr Jones said.

Pepple changed the locks while the student was attending a lecture, in November 2018, and the student was forced to spend the night in the library and later stay with friends.

Pepple returned the keys to Sheffield City Council, in May 2019. The court heard he has no previous convictions.

Richard Holland, mitigating, accepted that subletting was "part of the background to the case," but added: "He is to be sentenced for the unlawful eviction."

Pepple is currently living in the spare room at the same address as his ex-wife and their two children, Mr Holland said, and contributes towards the £610 monthly mortgage costs, with the £1,200 he receives from benefits and furlough pay.

He plans to move to Leeds to live with his new partner and their young child, Mr Holland told the court.

Pepple, 40, of Falstaff Crescent, Southey Green, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to the unlawful eviction of a residential tenant, before a trial, on February 9.

Judge Sarah Wright told him: "You apparently secured the tenancy by lying about your circumstances. The delays in this case are largely down to you.”

She commended the "thoroughness and diligence of the investigation".

Pepple was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £500 compensation and £1,000 towards the £9,133 court costs.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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