Squatter wins damages for harassment during building demolition

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 10:32 · Archive

A squatter has won a court payout for harassment after a London music venue owner began demolishing the building while he slept inside.

Nicola Saia, living in a flat at The Cricketers in the Oval, Kennington, won damages at Central London County Court after the building owner began demolishing the premises while he slept inside. The Cricketers is a former legendary music venue, built in the 1860s, which hosted acts including The Pogues, Happy Mondays, Desmond Dekker and Fairport Convention before being converted into flats.

Saia had formerly stayed at the property with permission as a property guardian. From July 3, 2023, building owner Ravinder Laly repeatedly threatened that the roof would come down if Saia did not leave. On July 18, Saia woke at around 9am to loud banging and found debris falling through a hole in his living room ceiling. He claimed he could not leave until the council provided temporary accommodation on July 29 after deeming him homeless.

Saia sued Laly and his property company RSL Slough Ltd for harassment and unlawful eviction, demanding up to £60,000 compensation for shock, stress, anxiety and inconvenience. Laly denied harassment and unlawful eviction, arguing Saia was not legally a tenant. Recorder Tom Shepherd found that Laly had harassed Saia by following through on his earlier threats about removing the roof over his head.

How it is being reported

• Squatter awarded thousands in damages after music venue owner found guilty of 'harassment' for demolishing building while 'tenant' slept in bedNicola Saia was living in a flat inside The Cricketers in the Oval, Kennington, and had formerly stayed there with permission as a property guardian.Daily Mail · 16 Oct, 10:15
• Court payout for 'squatter' in iconic London venue after owner began demolition with him asleep insideNicola Saia sued Ravinder Laly and his property company RSL Slough Ltd for harassment and unlawful evictionThe Independent · 16 Oct, 09:18

In this story: Nicola Saia · Ravinder Laly · RSL Slough Ltd · The Cricketers · The Oval, Kennington · Central London County Court

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