SALFORD MAN BANNED FROM GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITE AFTER VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR

Housing association Salix Homes sought legal action against Francis O’Donnell, aged 32, following his aggressive and violent behaviour towards members of staff.

A court hearing at Manchester Civil Justice Centre on Monday, January 15, heard how O’Donnell shouted expletives and threated to ‘bang’ a housing worker and get him sacked during one incident at the Duchy Road Caravan Park in Salford on January 3 this year.

In a witness statement, the housing worker said:

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“He began clenching his fists and I could see he was becoming very agitated and potentially violent by his body language. I felt intimidated and felt in danger for the safety of myself and my colleague.”

O’Donnell, of Innings Drive, Salford, is not a resident at the gypsy and traveller site, but had made contact with Salix Homes, which manages the site, to enquire about moving into a vacant plot.

The court heard how during another exchange at Salix Homes’ offices in Weaste, the defendant was advised he would need to complete an application form, to which he replied he would move on to the site ‘whether you like it or not’ and told one housing worker he would ‘see you again’ in a threatening manner.

The court granted a six month Injunction Order, with Power of Arrest, the terms of which prohibit O’Donnell from entering the gypsy and traveller site and from threatening or using violence towards any employees or contractors of Salix Homes.

The Injunction Order will remain in place until 4 July this year.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said:

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“Salix Homes will not tolerate violence or aggressive behaviour towards our employees, when they are simply doing their job.

“We welcome the judge’s decision to grant an Injunction Order in this case and I hope it sends out a very clear message that we take all reports of anti-social behaviour incredibly seriously and we will not hesitate to take swift action where necessary.