Healys’ Daniela Catuara acted on behalf of a homeowner in evicting squatters occupying her mother’s old family home. Despite contracting a security company to secure the property squatters managed to enter and occupy the property on the eve of the anniversary of Ms Cockin’s mother’s death. As the police could not assist, an application was made to court for an Interim Possession Order (IPO). District Judge Pollard, sitting at Brighton County Court, on 14 June 2011 granted the Interim Possession Order giving the squatters 24 hours (from service of the IPO) to leave or face criminal sanctions. It is understood that the squatters, vacated the property the following day on 15 June 2011. The hearing of the final possession took place on 22 June 2011 when a Final Order was made.
The case was covered by The Argus and Meridian News and attracted attention due to the current debates and talk of reform concerning the law in this area. Local Hove MP Mike Weatherley has been campaigning for squatting to become criminalised as it is in Scotland and where it has been since 1865.
