A FATHER whose teenage son has been living rough after being thrown out of the family home has defended his actions.

John Forster-Heatlie's son Vinny, 19, was sleeping in a tent with a friend on the recreation ground behind Swindon Town Football Club's stadium in County Road, but is now believed to be living with friends in Milton Keynes.

Mr Forster-Heatlie says he was forced to take such drastic action because of his son's behaviour.

The 51-year-old, from Thorney Park, Wroughton, said throwing his son out was one of the hardest things he has ever done, but he could not cope with him living in his home.

He became infuriated at his son's apparent laziness and inability to hold down a job.

Mr Forster-Heatlie, who works for the MoD at Shrivenham, said: "It was just total laziness.

"He had jobs with agencies, but he lost them because he wouldn't get out of bed to go to work.

"He really wanted to become a mechanic. He had numerous interviews, but if they were before 2pm he just would not get up."

He said things reached boiling point last August.

"I just said enough is enough," said Mr Forster-Heatlie. "I was just so fed up with him.

"He would just watch videos all night, then sleep until the afternoon."

Mr Forster-Heatlie has not spoken to his son since, and Vinny has been living with friends or sleeping rough.

But he said: "I still love him, and I do worry about him. But he has got to learn to stand on his own two feet."

Mr Forster-Heatlie believes his son's behaviour is typical of many teen-agers in Swindon.

And the former RAF serviceman believes American style 'boot camps', which drill discipline into unruly youngsters, is the only solution.

He said: "I think we should have a boot camp somewhere in the countryside near Swindon. Either that or we should reintroduce National Service.

"It would teach them discipline and responsibility.

"I would volunteer to work in them if they were set up."

Vinny's mother, Carroll, died in 1997 when he was 13, and Mr Forster-Heatlie believes this was when his son's behaviour started declining. Vinny has been in contact with his sister, Michelle Fillion-Payoux, 23, who lives in Swindon town centre.

She last saw her brother a month ago.

She said: "He comes around occasionally to say hello.

"I am concerned about him, but I couldn't have him living with me. I just couldn't cope."

When the Evening Advertiser spoke to Vinny he was abroad on holiday, although he declined to say where he was.

He vehemently denies his father's accusations, and says he worked hard to earn a living.

Vinny said: "I worked very hard and I'm not lazy.

"I didn't lose any agency work.

"After I left home I carried on doing agency work and worked as a cleaner at the Link Centre.

"I saved up the money for this holiday."

When he returns to England, Vinny plans to move to London to start a new life.

He said: "I'm not coming back to Swindon I've had enough. I want to get a job and make a new start with four of my friends.

"I would like to see my dad again, but only if he is civil."