Man whose Luton house was ‘stolen’ gets possession back

A reverend whose home was offered with out him understanding has had the property returned to him almost 4 years on, after a household was ordered to go away.

Rev Mike Corridor returned to his Luton residence from Wales in 2021 to seek out somebody impersonating him had offered it on for £131,000, after his identity was stolen.

The Land Registry accepted fault and put his identify again on the title, however when he returned once more in 2023 he found a family living there.

At Luton County Court docket on Monday, Choose Elaine Vignoli granted Mr Corridor outright possession of the house in 14 days.

Mr Corridor mentioned he was “fairly offended about the best way by which this has performed out”, and “fairly unhappy” for each himself and the household dwelling there.

Whereas working in north Wales in 2021, Mr Corridor was alerted by neighbours that somebody was in his home and all of the lights have been on.

Mr Corridor drove again to Luton and located a brand new proprietor finishing up constructing work.

“I attempted my key within the entrance door, it did not work and a person opened the entrance door to me – and the shock of seeing the home utterly stripped of furnishings, every thing was out of the property,” he mentioned.

BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme obtained the driving licence used to impersonate Mr Corridor, particulars of a checking account arrange in his identify to obtain the proceeds of the sale, and telephone recordings of a person claiming to be Mr Corridor instructing solicitors to promote the home.

After he reclaimed possession two years later, a BBC reporter visited the house and spoke to a person and a lady with a younger youngster who had a bogus rental contract.

Mr Corridor went to Luton County Court docket to take possession of the house as soon as extra. A girl, following proceedings by way of a Romanian interpreter, and a toddler additionally attended.

Mr Corridor’s lawyer, Lewis Colbourne, mentioned there have been “two harmless events in court docket”.

The occupants had been instructed by police 18 months in the past to cease paying lease, which didn’t go to Mr Corridor, and the choose heard an investigation remained ongoing.

The court docket was instructed the occupants didn’t oppose the applying and the choose granted Mr Corridor possession and that “individuals unknown” should pay his prices.

Mr Corridor mentioned: “I’m fairly unhappy that the [woman] has now bought to discover a new residence for herself.”

You’ll be able to take heed to the total interview with Mr Corridor on Radio 4’s You and Yours at 12:00 GMT on Wednesday.