A lettings agency is alleged to have used violence and vandalism over a prolonged period against the tenants of at least 10 properties.

A court in Kent has heard allegations of planted white powder, a tenant being doused in petrol and having teeth smashed, and incidents in which properties were wrecked and locks changed. 

Agents Sohila Tamiz, Pedram Tamiz, Kasem El Darrat and Adam McChesney have gone on trial at Canterbury Crown Court this week.

They deny 16 charges related to conspiring to unlawfully evict, between 2007 and 2021.

El Darrat and McChesney also face charges of conspiring to interfere with the peace or comfort of the occupier.

Sohila also stands accused of conspiring to burgle two properties where tenants lived.

The court case is ongoing – you can read the Kent Online reporting of the hearing so far, here.