Siobhan Jones recounts the rise (& fall) of the “protester squatter”
The issue of squatting has been constantly in the news during recent months, encountered in many contexts: the protest group setting up camp, the occupation of commercial premises such as warehouses for parties and raves, and, of course, the occupation of residential homes under the pretence of a false “tenancy agreement”. Much current debate centres on whether or not our existing laws and remedies are sufficient to protect property owners, and the anticipated effect of proposals to beef up criminal sanctions.
This article will focus on two recent decisions which highlight the issues arising in cases involving the “protester squatter” in the context of public property and private commercial premises. Issues concerning the recent reported instances of trespassers occupying residential premises are such to require an article of their own.
St Paul’s protestors
The decision in The Mayor, Commonality and Citizens of the City of London v Tammy Samede and Ors [2012] EWHC 34 (QB), [2012] All ER (D) 88 (Jan) follows the well-publicised events which unfolded outside St Paul’s Cathedral
