Squatter Wins Damages in Harassment Case Against Venue Owner

A squatter, Nicola Saia, has been awarded thousands in damages after a London court found the owner of a former music venue guilty of harassment. The owner, Ravinder Laly, had begun demolishing the building while Saia was asleep inside.

Saia had been living in a flat within The Cricketers, a venue in the Oval, Kennington, that historically hosted acts like The Pogues and Happy Mondays before its conversion into residences. Saia had previously resided there with permission as a property guardian. He contended that he had to remain in the property until July 29, 2023, as the council had declared him homeless. He claimed that Laly began issuing threats from July 3, 2023, stating the roof would be removed if he did not leave.

On July 18, 2023, Saia reported being woken by loud banging, later discovering debris falling through his living room ceiling. He subsequently sued Laly and his company, RSL Slough Ltd, for harassment and unlawful eviction, seeking up to £60,000 for alleged 'shock, stress, anxiety and inconvenience'.

Laly and his company denied harassment or unlawful eviction, disputing Saia's legal status as a tenant at the time. However, the trial judge, Recorder Tom Shepherd, ruled that Laly had harassed Saia by following through on threats to remove the roof and by briefly cutting off water to the flat. Claims regarding the WiFi being cut off and the property being boarded up were dismissed.

While the judge accepted Saia was technically trespassing, he described Laly's decision to attempt roof removal as 'calculated' and 'oppressive'. The judge noted that Laly could have pursued alternative measures, such as securing the property to prevent re-entry, rather than resorting to demolition while the occupant was present. The judge stated that the landlord's actions were 'unacceptable and oppressive, and was clearly calculated to cause alarm and distress'. He further commented that the landlord could have sought a possession order through the court or employed bailiffs if force was deemed necessary, and that the simple fact of Saia being a squatter did not justify such extreme steps.

Saia's legal representative stated that Laly had sent messages indicating demolition would begin and that Saia witnessed builders making a hole in the roof and ceiling of his living room, bathroom, and a bedroom on July 18. The representative added that Saia suffered mental health harm and trauma as a result of these actions.

In a counterclaim, Laly and his firm sued Saia for trespassing and alleged damages. The judge ruled Saia was a 'technical trespasser' but rejected the claims for damages, awarding only nominal compensation of £1 to Laly. Saia was awarded £2,000 in damages for his harassment claim.

The Cricketers venue was fully demolished in 2024.