Scott was instructed by the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham in its application for a Closure Order, made under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The application was supported by the Metropolitan Police.

Scott worked with the local authority to prepare its application and represented the authority at the final hearing at Barkingside Magistrates Court. Accepting Scott’s submissions, the court granted the order, closing the premises for 3 months (the maximum period initially allowed under the legislation). This was the first application made by the local authority concerning a premises of this type.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This closure sends a clear message that we will not tolerate properties being used for criminal activities. The repeated criminal damage incidents caused significant distress to residents, and we acted swiftly with the Police to put a stop to it…we urge landlords to take their responsibilities seriously and carry out proper checks when letting properties, especially on short-term agreements.”

Scott was instructed by Chloe Buckthorpe, Regulatory Lawyer for LBDD.

Scott has extensive experience with closure orders and other orders made under the 2014 Act. He accepts instructions from local authorities and police, as well as persons affected by closure orders.  

Full story here: https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/news/2025/suspected-brothel-shut-down-following-multiple-criminal-damage-incidents