Neighbour from hell back in Solihull council flat – to dismay of residents

A ‘neighbour from hell’ who torched a communal tree at flats in Solihull then threatened a resident has returned to his home.

Timothy Coldwell, 53, is back living in his council flat in Warmley Close, despite protests from residents and Solihull MP Julian Knight.

Coldwell was convicted on 23 November of two counts of using threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear on 3 July.

He had previously admitted arson after setting fire to a 30ft conifer tree belonging to Solihull Council and assaulting a police officer.

He had been warned that he could face jail but was later handed a 12 months community order and fined a total of £312.

Coldwell was allowed to returned to his council flat last Thursday 20 December.

And residents say he is already causing problems, allegedly kicking cardboard around the communal area and daubing graffiti on his own shed.

A resident, who didn’t want to be named said: “On the day he came back he was kicking cardboard around the communal garden area which was used for new furniture which had been bought for his flat.

“He has also been daubing graffiti on his own shed.

“We are disgusted that despite what he has been convicted of he has still come back. Solihull Council just haven’t taken our concerns into account at all.”

MP Julian Knight said: “I have raised this matter directly with Fiona Hughes, Managing Director for Solihull Community Housing, and been contacted by a number of residents following the previous incident. I expect the rights of local residents to be respected.”

But Solihull Council released its own statement which said: “Housing officers have carried out visits in conjunction with the police to reassure residents and discuss any concerns they may have.”

Terrified neighbours had previously taken video footage of Coldwell setting fire to a tree and walking bare chested and pointing a finger at them.

The court heard how Coldwell had knocked back seven pints on 3 July this year and went on a rampage, shouting that someone had ransacked his flat.

On that occasion a drunken Coldwell threatened to “slice up” residents after he alleged police had been into his council flat and left it in a state of disarray.

On 30 June Coldwell set fire to a tree in the communal garden.

His defence solicitor Jenny McDowell said he had a drink problem and was being tested for autism.

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/neighbour-hell-timothy-coldwell-back-15597727