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
