A FIFTH neighbour from hell has been evicted from the Walmgate area of York, as part of a crackdown on tenants who make life miserable for those living near them.

Floyd Moynihan, 21, abandoned his Huby Court home after a court heard complaints from other residents about two years' of late-night loud music and rowdy drinking sessions.

A judge gave City of York Council an eviction order last month after he heard evidence of Mr Moynihan's behaviour and that he had a criminal conviction for assaulting a woman neighbour.

Council bosses said Mr Moynihan also caused a fire at the property in December which endangered other residents.

It left the local authority with a £12,000 repair bill for what had been a newly-refurbished property.

A spokesperson from City of York Council's tenancy enforcement team said: "We are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour throughout the city.

"We have worked hard to improve the Walmgate area and hope this fifth eviction is the final one and that the remaining, law-abiding tenants now have a more peaceful and enjoyable environment in which to live."

Council officers moved in today to secure the property. They hope to make it available for a new tenant in the near future. Several thousand people are currently waiting for council accommodation.

Last week the Evening Press revealed that Paul Ibbotson had agreed to leave a second council home in Clarence Street which he temporarily occupied after he was evicted from his Walmgate flat.

Ibbotson, a former body builder, who has a string of convictions for theft and handling stolen goods, admitted in documents submitted to York County Court that he had caused late-night noise in Walmgate.

Other council tenants who have agreed to leave their homes after council investigations include Scott Wade, 29, of Arden House, Tang Hall, York.

Last year Adrian and Michelle Maclean, of Hope Street, off Walmgate, were evicted after complaints of threats, intimidation and noise nuisance. Mr Maclean is serving a prison sentence for supplying and possessing Class A drugs.

Updated: 14:25 Wednesday, July 14, 2004