Ref. 29699-76EVICTION FEATURE: Before the Kassouris, William Brooking was the latest troublesome tenant to be given his marching orders in Swindon.

The Advertiser reported on Saturday that the 53-year-old from Cleverton Court, Penhill, has been told to leave the tower block after a string of complaints.

Swindon Council said residents had been sworn at and physically assaulted by Mr Brooking's visitors.

Objects were dropped from the fifth floor flat and complaints were filed about drunken gatherings and Mr Brooking's unruly behaviour.

A major problem for other neighbours had been the former maintenance fitter's habit of spitting on and over his balcony.

Speaking to the Evening Advertiser, he admitted this but said it was the result of a chronic lung condition which means his lungs work at only 70 per cent of their usual capacity.

He said this week: "Sometimes I can hardly breathe. I panic, and my first reaction is to rush to the balcony to get some fresh air, and it makes me spit. It doesn't happen every day though."

A suspended order imposed in 2001 meant Mr Brooking could be thrown out of his flat if he broke his tenancy agreement. Swindon County Court decided last week that it had been broken and so he must leave before Tuesday, April 13.