Azad Hussain who ransacked city property on intimidate tenant avoids jail

The victim said he was "depressed and struggling to sleep" after the burglary and the attempt to force him out of his home in Southfield Street, Arboretum.

Azad Hussain had been convicted unanimously by a jury on three counts of burglary, criminal damage of property belonging to Fabio Roy, and unlawful attempted eviction and harassment.

Judge James Burbridge QC said the offences were so serious they crossed the custodial threshold.

BURGLAR: Azad Hussain walks free from Worcester Crown Court

The court heard there was an ongoing family dispute over who owned the property following a death, with that matter now going through the civil courts.

The burglary took place in July 2021 when Hussain entered the home through an already broken window, when Fabio Roy and friend Zeesham Hamaad were in the property.

The court heard Hussain had gone in and swept property and cupboards onto the floor, smashing them up, before throwing personal belongings out of the window.

During his trial, Hussain had claimed he was going in to clean the property, but the judge rejected this saying it was clear the 38-year-old had in fact entered with the intention to intimidate Mr Roy to leave.

Prosecutor Lee Egan described the effect the burglary had on Mr Roy who said in a victim personal statement he was now having difficulty sleeping.

He has been forced to postpone his law exams and had gone to Worcestershire Royal Hospital after his GP had said he was concerned about his mental health.

COURT: Worcester Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

“He describes not feeling safe going out and still doesn’t,” Mr Egan said.

“Someone has to stay to look after the house.”

The prosecutor added Hussain, of New Bank Street, Merrimans Hill, had 12 previous convictions, including driving while disqualified in 2006 and theft in 2009 when Hussain had been jailed for three months.

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Sentencing him Judge Burbridge said: “Unfortunately you decided to do the bidding of your aunt to remove the genuine occupants of the property.

“Even though there was a dispute (over who owned the house) you had no right to enter.

"You did so seeking to evict the tenant, applying pressure, and scaring them.

"He (the victim) had a right to feel safe on his own home." 

Hussain was ordered to pay compensation to the victim

The judge sentenced him to 27 months in prison, suspending the sentence for two years as the judge explained he believed Hussain could rehabilitate himself.

But the judge told Hussain if he committed another offence in the next two years he would likely go to prison.

The judge ordered Hussain to pay £300 compensation to the victim, and to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.