Squatter awarded thousands in damages after music venue owner found guilty of 'harassment' for demolishing building while 'tenant' slept in bed

In a recent London County Court ruling, Nicola Saia, who had been residing at The Cricketers music venue in Kennington, was awarded damages after the building’s owner unlawfully commenced demolition while Saia was still inside. The Cricketers, a venue with a rich musical heritage dating back to the 1860s, had been transformed into residential flats before becoming the center of a contentious legal dispute.

Saia’s case arose from events in July 2023, when the landlord, Ravinder Laly, initiated actions to remove the roof of the property while Saia was asleep. At the time, Saia was living in a flat within the building, having previously stayed there as a property guardian with permission. Despite the property's poor condition, Saia stated that he remained in the flat until he could move to temporary accommodation, since local council authorities had designated him as homeless.

The conflict escalated after Laly allegedly issued repeated threats to Saia, warning that the roof would be dismantled if he did not vacate. Around 9 a.m. on July 18, 2023, Saia was awakened by loud noises and discovered debris falling through a hole in his ceiling. He then found that demolition work had begun on the roof of his living space. Saia subsequently filed a lawsuit against Laly and his property company, RSL Slough Ltd, claiming harassment and unlawful eviction, and seeking substantial compensation for the distress caused.

During the legal proceedings, Laly disputed the allegations, asserting that Saia was not a legal tenant and denying any harassment or unlawful eviction. The court, presided over by Recorder Tom Shepherd, determined that while Saia was technically trespassing, the landlord's decision to remove the roof while Saia was inside represented a clear act of harassment. The judge criticized Laly’s method, describing it as oppressive and calculated to cause distress, noting alternative legal avenues such as obtaining a possession order with bailiffs had been available.

The court found that Laly’s actions, including briefly cutting off water to the flat, constituted harassment, though claims regarding WiFi disconnection and boarding up the property were dismissed. Despite Saia not holding a formal tenancy, the judge emphasized that this did not justify the extreme measures taken by the landlord. He acknowledged Saia’s reports of shock, anxiety, and inconvenience resulting from the incident.

Saia’s legal representation highlighted the mental health impact and trauma caused by the landlord’s actions, detailing the moment Saia was roused by construction noise and the subsequent damage to his living area. Conversely, legal counsel for Laly maintained that proper access rights existed and attempted to counter-sue Saia for trespassing, a claim which was largely dismissed except for nominal damages.

Ultimately, the court awarded Saia £2,000 in damages for harassment, while his counterclaim for unlawful eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act was rejected due to his lack of tenant status. The demolition of The Cricketers was completed in 2024, marking the end of a chapter for a venue once renowned for hosting notable musical acts.

This case underscores the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding property guardianship, squatting, and landlord responsibilities, especially in buildings with cultural significance. It highlights the necessity for landlords to pursue lawful eviction processes, even in situations involving unauthorized occupants, to prevent harm and uphold tenant protections.

Details on subsequent developments or compensation beyond the court’s ruling remain limited, but the judgment sets a notable precedent in landlord-occupant disputes within London’s evolving property landscape.