Court action has made life more secure and safe for residents and Thurrock Council staff after the council won an injunction to stop a man threatening them.

Basildon Combined Court heard that the council initially attempted to speak with Daron Hawkes of South Ockendon, as he was in breach of his tenancy agreement, but he failed to attend an appointment and a visit to his home led to more threats.

The council's legal department have served a Notice to Quit and the council last week secured the injunction preventing Hawkes from using or threatening to use violence; using abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards any council employee or neighbouring resident or their family, friends or visitors; entering the local housing office; engaging in or threatening to engage in conduct causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to anyone close to his home.

The injunction means Hawkes will be in contempt of court if he breaches any of the conditions and can be arrested by the police without the need for a warrant.

Cllr Sue MacPherson, the Cabinet member for Housing, said: "Once again Thurrock Council has shown that it is willing and able to target people whose anti-social behaviour makes others' lives a misery. "With backing from the courts and the police we will make sure this sort of behaviour is stamped out in Thurrock - it is simply not acceptable."