Rent arrears lead to landlord axe attack

Landlord Mohammed Sabir swung at his tenant with the handle of an axe when he failed to pay his rent on time, and the arrears caused him difficulties in paying his mortgage.

The event took place on the landlord’s doorstep, followed a heated discussion. The landlord attended the property he let to Mr Tomaszewska, where he banged on the door in an ‘aggressive manner’ before confronting Mr Tomaszewska’s partner about the unpaid rent.

According to Mr Tomaszewska’s partner, there was an agreement in place that Mr Sabir did not attend the property without her partner being present. Mr Sabir allegedly continued to bang on the door, making her nervous about his threating presence. She rang Mr Tomaszewska, and they immediately attended the home of Mr Sabir in nearby Clement Street, Crosland Moor.

According to the Andy Wills, prosecuting at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, Mr Tomaszewska’s kicked Mr Sabir’s door quite loudly, and demanded to know why he had attended the property and behaved threateningly towards his partner.
Mr Sabir then out of his home with a stick, similar to an axe handle, holding it aloft above his head and waving it towards Mr Tomaszewska. Mr Sabir lashed out with the weapon, and swung it towards his tenant, however he was able to move out of the way and no contact was made.

Mr Sabir stated in his police interview that he was upset to be the only party arrested as Mr Tomaszewska had caused damage to his door, and that he had been subject to anger from Mr Tomaszewska.

He had no previous convictions and was issued with a six-month conditional discharge and will have to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Mr Tomaszewska is still in rent arrears, however Mr Sabir has received advised to take a more appropriate course of action to remedy this situation.