Minister forced out of home by teenage neighbour

Rev Christopher Denton left his home of almost 20 years after he was taunted with homophobic insults and threats from next-door neighbour Alex Adams, 19.

Mr Denton, an independent minister, even gave Adams money for bus fares and mobile phone credit but Adams threw his kindness back in his face.

Mr Denton, who has lived with partner Alan for five years, said: "When he first moved in he didn't show his true colours, but it soon became clear what kind of person he really was.

"The music and parties were so loud people on the ninth floor were disturbed – he put nine double glazed windows in with his fists. We were verbally abused and called homophobic names by him and his friends. He tormented and terrorised everybody for months."

The final straw came when he asked Adams to turn down the music during a particularly loud party at the flats in Moor Grange Court, in West Park, Leeds, in June. The minister was threatened and was so frightened he called the police who broke up the party.

He said: "Alex had driven us out of our own home and we were too shocked and terrified to go anywhere near him."

Adams, who moved into a first-floor flat in April 2009, drove three residents from their homes after a string of reported incidents, including violence, criminal damage and late-night parties with gangs of youths.

A hearing at Leeds Magistrates' Court earlier this week ruled he should be evicted.

Granting a premises closure order, District Judge David Kitson said: "There are some 31 complaints in total, ranging from loud music, abusive and vulgar language, violence and threats of violence against neighbours who have dared to complain.

"Large numbers of young people congregate at the premises at all hours, often in drink, creating such concern and fear for the residents that three of them have left the flats and are frightened to return whilst Mr Adams remains a threat."

Leeds City Council applied for the closure order. Complaints included shouting lewd comments at schoolgirls and throwing a fridge from the balcony.

Adams, who lived with his brother Daniel, 24, attended the hearing but did not contest the application. The council is also applying for possession of the flat at Leeds County Court.