Wandsworth Council intends to pursue eviction proceedings against a Fownes Street tenant following continued anti-social behaviour that has forced one resident to abandon their home, Putney.news has learned.
The council served a Notice of Seeking Possession alongside the injunction granted against Kevin Stratford in December, with MP Marsha de Cordova confirming the authority’s “intention to begin possession proceedings.”
The development comes as residents documented multiple breaches of the court-ordered injunction within days of Lee Preston’s release from prison on 6 January. Preston, identified by residents as Stratford’s partner and “the most disruptive and dangerous individual involved,” was arrested again on 8 January following a 6am disturbance that required emergency police response.
One resident, who Putney.news is calling Imran to protect his identity, has now moved out of the building, telling fellow residents he could no longer endure the situation.
His departure marks the first confirmed displacement of a resident due to the ongoing anti-social behaviour, despite over a year of documented incidents including threats to kill children, knife throwing, and climbing on the outside of the building with weapons.
Breaches documented within days
Since the injunction was served on 18 December, residents reported multiple violations. On 5 January, the council informed residents that Lee Preston would likely be released the following day. On 7 January, residents reported excessive noise and screaming, with one observing the behaviour showed those involved were “ignoring the judge’s orders.”
On 8 January, police responded to an emergency incident at 6am. Residents reported fighting and Preston was arrested. Further disturbances were reported later that day, with shouting heard by visitors to the building.
The injunction prohibits Stratford from using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, causing harassment, banging on doors or walls, and playing loud music.
MP confirms eviction plans
Local MP Marsha de Cordova wrote to residents this week telling them that the council had served a Notice of Seeking Possession (NOSP) and it was their intention to begin possession proceedings.
A Notice of Seeking Possession is the formal first step in eviction proceedings. It requires the council to specify grounds for seeking possession and provide notice before court proceedings can begin.
Despite the January return hearing being scheduled when the injunction was granted, it has still not been possible to obtain a confirmed date from Wandsworth County Court despite multiple attempts by Putney.news, including an in-person visit. The hearing would allow Stratford to respond to the allegations for the first time and enable the court to consider additional measures, including removal of dogs from the property.
Background
Deputy District Judge Davis granted the without-notice injunction on 16 December 2025 after hearing “a large body of evidence pointing to anti-social behaviour” he found “incredibly disruptive” to residents of the six-flat building at Fownes Street. The court proceeded without notifying the defendant due to concerns about potential repercussions against neighbours.
Wandsworth Council closed an ASB Case Review in September 2025, marking actions as “completed” despite ongoing incidents. The pursuit of possession proceedings represents a significant escalation.
Putney.news has contacted Wandsworth Council for comment on the latest developments.
Case Details: The Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Wandsworth vs Mr Kevin Stratford (Case reference: M02WT125). Deputy District Judge Davis presiding at Wandsworth County Court and Family Court.
