A drug dealer has been evicted from a home in Gateshead following a police investigation into serious organised crime. Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) raided a house in Beacon Lough East in June last year, seizing several mobile phones and a quantity of cash.
Jamie Chrichton, who was living at the address at the time, subsequently pleaded guilty to the supply of Class A drugs.
Council takes legal action
Following the police investigation, Gateshead Council served a Notice Seeking Possession in April 2026. After the householder’s appeal was considered and rejected, the council applied to the court to recover the property at Heatherlaw.
At a hearing in June 2026, the court ruled in the council’s favour and required the tenant to leave within 28 days. When the property was not vacated and the keys were not returned within that period, the council obtained a warrant authorising court bailiffs to carry out the eviction.
Eviction carried out
The eviction was carried out on September 23.
Councillor Gavin Brierley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring our tenants and residents can live in safe, secure neighbourhoods, free from the harm caused by criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
“We take a zero-tolerance approach to behaviour that puts the wellbeing of our communities at risk. Where there are serious concerns about a tenancy, we will take appropriate action and use the legal powers available to us to protect our neighbourhoods.
“This case demonstrates that we will pursue action through the courts when necessary, following the proper legal process, to address serious concerns and uphold our responsibilities as a social landlord.”
Residents experiencing anti-social behaviour can report it online, by emailing NRT@gateshead.gov.uk, or by calling 0191 433 5353. Any criminal activity should be reported to Northumbria Police.
