‘24-hour’ drugs den gets closed

The house in Thursby Road, owned by electrical engineer David Haines who has lived there 24 years, was yesterday-made the subject of a two month closure order under anti-social behaviour laws.

The court had heard the property was raided on May 5 and drugs and paraphernalia were said to have been seized.

Father-of-two Mr Haines, 52, who has no criminal convictions, opposed the order.

Mr Haines did not take drugs but his ex-partner Lisa Wilson, at the time staying there, was a heroin addict.

She was no longer associated with the house, the court heard.

The justices said they were satisfied the premises had been used for hard drugs and that disorder or serious nuisance was caused.

They added they were not entirely convinced Miss Wilson no longer had any involvement with the premises, but not all the problems were her fault.

PC Susan Main, Bradley community beat manager, said she had seen women who were known drug users at the property.

The officer told the court police had intelligence from a few months ago of people attending the house to have their photographs taken in return for money or drugs.

PC Main said neighbours had reported more frequent visits in recent months, knocking on the door at all hours, verbal abuse from visitors and noise.

Lee Hammond, representing Mr Haines, told the court Mr Haines would dispute the house was being used for the supply of class A drugs.

He said Mr Haines had started paying models to be photographed with a view to building up a portfolio and setting up a business but he started using local girls for photo shoots as it was cheaper.

The solicitor said last year Mr Haines became involved with Miss Wilson and tried to get her into rehabilitation.

Mr Hammond said: "He has no experience of drug taking or drug users and was somewhat out of his depth.

"She had friends who are known prostitutes and people associated with drug taking.

"The neighbours clearly didn't have any issues with Mr Haines himself."