Man jailed after threatening Oldham landlord

Police were called following an incident on August 9 when Gary Brookes made a threat over the phone to commit serious damage to the First Choice Homes’ headquarters on Union Street, and those within it

Threats to First Choice Homes Oldham staff, customers or property could result in a jail sentence and eviction, the housing association has warned.

The warning follows an incident on August 9 when Gary Brookes, of Old Road in Failsworth, made a threat over the phone to commit serious damage to the First Choice Homes’ headquarters on Union Street and those within it, after a dispute over a debt he hadn’t paid.

Members of staff responded immediately by acting to protect both customers visiting the building and members of staff working inside.

They then reported the incident to the police and the legal team at First Choice Homes.

Mr Brookes (29) was quickly arrested and pleaded guilty to the charges.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment.

There is also a restraining order in place banning him from the First Choice Homes headquarters for two years.

Dave Smith, Executive Director, Customer First at First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “While incidents like this are rare and the majority of our customers are responsible, peaceful and law abiding citizens, it’s important that when we have situations like this, our customers, staff and anyone visiting our headquarters can rest assured that we and the police will deal with it swiftly and seriously.

"Perpetrators of aggressive and violent behaviour will face the full force of the law risking criminal charges and imprisonment and civil legal action, putting their homes at risk.

“On behalf of our customers and staff I would like to thank our partners in GMP for their hard work and response in dealing with this particular situation so quickly and effectively.

“Following Mr Brookes’s conviction we have started eviction proceedings. This means that as well as serving a custodial sentence, Mr Brookes may also lose his home.”

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