Fergus Wilson, once hailed as ‘Britain’s worst landlord’ and formerly the largest private landlord in the UK, faces accusations of ongoing harassment of councillors at Ashford Borough Council (ABC), despite previous legal action that resulted in a substantial financial penalty.
Ashford Borough Council alleges that Wilson, 73, has persisted in harassing and insulting its staff members, flouting a court injunction issued a couple of years ago.
This injunction was obtained by ABC after enduring what they described as a decade of harassment from Wilson, during which he frequently directed abusive language towards councillors and inundated officials with unsolicited correspondence.
Legal representative Adam Solomon KC disclosed that Wilson had sent a staggering 454 pieces of correspondence to council officials within a span of just over four years, from February 2016 to July 2020.
Solomon emphasized that Wilson’s behavior had created a hostile and intimidating environment for council workers, with some receiving daily emails from him.
As a result, a permanent injunction was issued, restraining Wilson from contacting current and former council officers, employees, councillors, and agents, except through a designated senior officer.
The legal proceedings concluded in September 2021, and in May 2022, Wilson was ordered by the court to make a payment of £125,000 to Ashford Borough Council as an interim payment towards their legal costs, pending a full assessment.
While the council views this sum, which represents nearly 75% of their estimated costs, as reasonable, they have since presented evidence to the court alleging that Wilson has persisted in contacting and harassing council staff and councillors on multiple occasions, in defiance of the previous injunction.
Representing himself in court, Wilson faced scrutiny from Judge Anthony Dunne KC, who presided over the case. The judge heard evidence from the council detailing instances of ongoing harassment, including abusive messages directed at staff members, which reportedly caused distress and anxiety among recipients.
The court also reviewed a letter sent by Wilson to former council leader Gerry Clarkson’s home address, containing derogatory and inflammatory remarks.
Judge Dunne has reserved judgment on the matter and is expected to deliver his decision next month. The proceedings underscore the challenges faced by Ashford Borough Council in addressing persistent harassment from individuals like Wilson, despite legal interventions aimed at curbing such behavior.
