MICHAEL HARRIS FROM BASELIDON STILL LIVING IN COUNCIL FLAT DESPITE SERVING NINE-YEAR SENTENCE

In a troubling case that has raised serious concerns about housing management and public safety, Michael Harris, a 65-year-old convicted sex offender from Basildon, continues to reside in his council-owned flat within Brooke House, a tower block densely populated with families, despite serving a nine-year prison sentence for heinous crimes.

Harris was sentenced in April 2007 after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences, including the rape of a teenage boy. His conviction stemmed from a series of offences committed against a male teenager in Pitsea between the years 1975 and 1980. Despite his incarceration, Harris has maintained his tenancy at the property, paying rent through a direct debit arrangement funded by a private pension he receives from prison.

The revelation that Harris remains a tenant was brought to public attention by a journalist who was contacted by Harris’s former victim, now aged 45 and residing in Devon. The victim expressed deep concern over the safety of children in the area, stating, “It won’t be safe for other kids when he returns. I don’t think he should be allowed back in the area.” He further criticized the situation, saying, “The flat is going to sit there for at least four and a half years when someone else could have it. I don’t think it’s fair the property is being left empty when there are a lot more deserving people who need homes.”

Adding to the community’s alarm, Sarah Grant, a 23-year-old single mother living in a flat adjacent to Harris, voiced her outrage and fear. She described her shock upon learning Harris was living nearby, saying, “I can’t believe he was living here while I was. It is frightening. No way should he be allowed back. I’ve got a three-year-old son here. They fill this block of flats up with mothers and kids. I’m disgusted. The council should have done more to stop this.”

In response to the situation, Tony Ball, the deputy council leader responsible for housing, admitted that the local authority was unaware of Harris’s incarceration at the time. He stated, “We are working with police to take possession of the property now this has come to light. I thank the journalist for alerting us to this.” He also emphasized that it is inappropriate for the flat to remain unoccupied while there is a significant waiting list for housing, which currently includes approximately 4,500 individuals seeking homes in Basildon. Mr. Ball added, “When released from prison he should have to register as homeless.”

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the management of housing for offenders and the potential risks posed to vulnerable communities, especially in densely populated residential areas like Brooke House in Basildon.