Sunday 9 June 2019

Vagrant Finds Shelter At Camberwell Green Magistrates Court

A vagrant continues to call a working London courthouse home weeks after moving onto the premises.

The homeless man sleeps within the covered boundary of Camberwell Green Magistrates Court, a few yards from where custody vehicles bring accused criminals in and out every day.

Southwark Council have said they cannot do anything because he is occupying land owned by HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

A court security officer said the man had moved into an area at the side of the court building approximately two weeks ago and steps were being taken to have him relocated.

“We could move him, but we cannot move his stuff. Do you want us to use force?” asked the unnamed officer.

“He says he used to be a long-distance lorry driver, but lost his license and his circumstances changed. He’s an intelligent man.”

Camberwell Green Magistrates Court is scheduled to close later this year and a vagrant living on the premises is another symptom of the malaise within the HMCTS.

It seems unthinkable that a busy courthouse with police officers coming and going every day, plus private security staff could be a comfortable home for a vagrant.

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