A landlord who illegally converted a Barking home into two flats without planning permission has been given a prison sentence after failing to pay almost £130,000. 

Mr Akram Hussain, of Bedford Road, Walthamstow, has been jailed for 280 days for failing to settle the confiscation order, which was originally issued to the 58-year-old in 2017. 

The case dates back to 2011, when officers from Barking and Dagenham Council ordered Mr Hussain to stop using the Glenny Road property as flats and return it to a family home. He failed to do so, and the council started legal proceedings. 

At the time, an investigation by enforcement officers uncovered Mr Hussain had received more than £1,900 per month in rental income from the two flats.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: “Let this be a clear warning to any landlord who thinks they are above the law – you aren’t. 

“We will continue to pursue rogue landlords and take action against the small minority who put profit ahead of people. The council will always take a stand against those who look to exploit our residents.”

Mr Hussain was sentenced at the City of Westminister Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 4 June.

The confiscation order, for the sum of £129,755.15, remains in place until it is paid in full.