A LANDLORD who unlawfully evicted his tenant has been jailed.

Kenston McIntosh forced out Michael Hutchinson from the property, in Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, in March.

McIntosh, 51, was jailed for three months at Oxford Crown Court on Friday after admitting unlawful eviction.

The case came to light when McIntosh refused to provide Oxford City Council with proof of Mr Hutchinson’s tenancy in February.

Mr Hutchinson, who needed the proof to claim housing benefit, had previously paid his rent in cash since 2006.

A council spokesman said: “On 27 March 2010 McIntosh attended the property and became aggressive, telling Mr Hutchinson to leave the property and that the locks would be changed.

“Following the eviction, Mr Hutchinson was forced to sleep in an abandoned car.”

McIntosh, of Freelands Road, Oxford, was arrested at Gatwick Airport after failing to attend an earlier hearing.

Councillor Joe McManners, board member for housing, said: “There is a clear legal process for landlords to follow should they wish to evict a tenant. Mr McIntosh failed to follow that process in this case and has paid the price.

“The Court has sent out a strong message that it is simply not acceptable to evict a tenant without a court order.”