A FORMER body builder with a string of convictions for handling stolen property has left his York council home after admitting that he is a nuisance neighbour.

Paul Ibbotson has become the fourth person to leave a council property in the Walmgate area in almost as many months, after a drive by tenancy officers and York Police to force out disruptive residents.

He agreed to leave his home of seven years voluntarily after eviction proceedings were brought by City of York Council.

The flat, which is near Walmgate Bar, was also raided by police looking for stolen property in February and November.

In documents submitted to York County Court, he admitted causing late night noise, including domestic arguments, slamming doors and dogs barking.

A spokesman for the council's tenancy enforcement team said neighbours were often woken up by people trying to get into the block late at night, while communal door locks were smashed several times.

He said: "We take cases such as this extremely seriously and we will take them to court where we feel there is sufficient evidence.

"This is the fourth person in the area to leave in almost as many months, and we hope that will have a positive impact on the local community."

Mr Ibbotson was sent to prison for 15 months in July 2000, after being convicted of handling stolen goods. He has 20 other convictions for theft, drugs offences and public disorder.

He declined to comment when approached by the Evening Press, but a man helping load bed clothes in to a van said the group were "moving house".

A spokesman for York Community Policing Team said Mr Ibbotson's departure was welcomed by officers who work in the area. He said: "We will not tolerate illegal and antisocial behaviour."

Elaine Curtis, of the Safer York Partnership, said: "We're pleased that a group of agencies working together can reap rewards for the public."

A neighbour said Mr Ibbotson had been a disruptive resident who had many late night callers, kept unusual hours and was regularly visited by the police.

The resident said: "The police called so often the council probably gave them a key to let themselves in."

In January, convicted drug dealer Adrian Maclean was evicted from his Hope Street home after a court heard evidence of his antisocial lifestyle. Council chiefs said two other residents have also left the area.

Updated: 10:31 Friday, May 07, 2004