A ROGUE landlord has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service after he was found guilty of illegally trying to force a tenant out of one of his properties.

Ghazni Mahmood removed the staircase and cut off electricity to a flat above a shop in Middlesbrough.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to harassment and unlawful eviction during a three-day trial.

The 49-year-old, of Lawrence Street, Stockton, was facing the risk of imprisonment when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court for sentencing yesterday.

District Judge Stephen Earl told Mahmood that if there had been any indication violence had been used to remove the 36-year-old tenant from his Abingdon Road property, he would have been jailed.

Vince Ward, who represented Mahmood at the sentencing hearing, said: "These proceedings have had a profound impact on him and he has been deeply embarrassed by the whole affair. This episode has taught him a salutary lesson."

Judge Earl ordered Mahmood to carry out 100 hours of community service and pay £3,073.23 in courts costs.

He said: "This is a serious matter where I could have sent him to prison, but I will not. However, it is serious enough for a community penalty."

Speaking after the hearing, Middlesbrough Borough Council's executive member for community safety, Councillor Barry Coppinger, said: "Private tenants are often quite vulnerable people and it is our job to make sure they get protection and landlords work within the law.

"This has proved a very costly infringement and it shows the court and council take the issue seriously."