A landlord who ran an illegal hostel has been handed a £15,000 fine.

Mustafa Kemal Mustafa, was found guilty of breaching a planning enforcement notice issued by Sevenoaks council after a week long trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

Mustafa, of Briar Lane, West Wickham, Bromley, was given the notice in 2016 to stop using the former Convent of Mercy, in Sycamore Drive, Swanley, as it did not have planning permission.

However, the 44-year-old ignored it and continued to use it as an illegal hostel until the council obtained a closure order from Sevenoaks Magistrates on May 11, 2018, following repeated anti-social behaviour.

On Friday, August 2, the judge imposed a £5,000 fine plus £10,000 in costs to the council.

Cllr Lesley Dyball, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: "There is no doubt, people living in the former Convent of Mercy were at risk.

"The safety of our residents is a top priority..." Cllr Lesley Dyball

"This was an unsafe, unfit property operating without permission and neighbours had endured unacceptable anti-social behaviour for far too long.

"Despite the council and our partners taking action on a range of issues, Mr Mustafa failed to deal with the problems.

"The safety of our residents is a top priority and the substantial fine demonstrates the seriousness of this case."

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