TENANTS were harassed by a man acting on behalf of their landlords, a court was told.

Albert Sandi was given a conditional discharge for his part in a scheme of harassment when he appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday.

Sandi, 53, was acting on behalf of two men when he harassed tenants in Rose Hill.

Sandi had admitted a charge of unlawful harassment by a landlord and/or agent at an earlier court hearing on March 6.

Timothy Boswell, prosecuting, said: “The two landlords were the real villains in this case.

“Mr Sandi was the one who was recruited to be the one on the ground.”

Kate O’Raghallaigh, defending, said: “Mr Sandi admits to his part in this, although it is actually relatively limited.”

Judge Mary-Jane Mowat said: “I accept he didn’t have much option, as he had to keep his accommodation.”

Judge Mowat added: “You were clearly under pressure from landlords to do what you were doing and you were in a vulnerable position.”

The court was told that Sandi was not in a financial position to be able to pay any costs.

Sandi was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.