RESIDENTS from a Workington street have endured months of drug-fuelled antisocial behaviour so bad that some have decided to move away away.

A judge heard a detailed account of the daily torment endured by people living near to 40-year-old Michael Tyson.

During a 90 minute hearing, PC Leesa Edwards presented a catalogue of evidence showing how Tyson’s neighbours had suffered months of noise, violence, and drug-related nuisance emanating from 11 Clay Street, Workington, where he lives.

Reports suggested he was dealing the drug know as ‘plant food’ from the property. There were also claims that one of the two women staying in the property regularly dealt heroin, said the officer.

Despite the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, in recent months there had been an almost constant stream of visitors to the mid-terraced house, all suspected of going there to buy drugs.

“Number 11 is described as a drugs den,” said the officer. She then read statements from several of Tyson’s neighbours, who said they feared reprisals if they were named.

“There’s rubbish everywhere and fires every day in the back yard of number 11,” said one resident. The woman spoke of how her work related virtual meetings on her computer were constantly disrupted by people shouting and dogs yapping inside or near Number 11.

Another neighbour was on medication for anxiety and sleep deprivation as a result of the constant noise and disturbance. “I’ve not had a full night’s sleep in six weeks,” she said.

Suspected drug users visited the property even through the night, at times banging on the wrong door. Police had twice found illicit drugs at Number 11 during raids.

One witness said: “A couple with young children moved out of their address to live with relatives because they are terrified and living in a state of fear and anxiety about what will happen next.” Another said: “Previously this area was a nice place to live. Since the tenant’s wife moved out, things have got terrible.” One resident said the issues at Number 11 were “a nightmare”.

At Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court, Tyson told District Judge Gerald Chalk: “I don’t sell drugs.” But Judge Chalk granted a three-month closure order, saying he was satisfied there had been disorderly behaviour.