Judge blasts 'wicked' Phoenix Supported Housing directors for unlawfully evicting vulnerable woman whilst claiming cash for her care

Former Phoenix Supported Housing managing director Kimberley Bethell, 38, and director of housing Davinder Chall, 41, all based at All Saints Road, were sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court after pleading guilty unlawful eviction and breaking the unfair trading act 1998.

Despite claiming over £25,000 taxpayers cash between 2022 and 2023 for supporting the vulnerable young woman, referred to as Natasha, the company transferred their business electricity account into her name, signed her up to bills without her knowledge and failed to give her any meaningful support. 

'Natasha' was meant to be moving into safe, secure accommodation at Park Street South, Wolverhampton, however, she moved rooms within the property and was repeatedly given the wrong paperwork and agreements, the court heard.

When she complained to Wolverhampton Council about her treatment the court heard that Phoenix Supported Housing demanded she leave the property in seven days, despite knowing she had "nowhere else to go." 

Prosecutor Mark Jackson said: "They were paid over £25,000 to look after a vulnerable young woman. Instead they effectively harassed her and then unlawfully evicted her. They could not have cared if she had ended up living out of a cardboard box. They told her to leave the property in seven days.