A FAMILY who have terrorised Penhill have been told they have two months to get out of their council house.

William Hanratty and Tina Brett and their two sons intimidated and distressed other residents in and around Fyfield Avenue, a court was told.

The couple must now find a new home for themselves and their three youngest children before April 22.

Swindon Council sought the eviction order after their two eldest sons, Thomas, 18, and Patrick, 19, breached orders banning them from Penhill.

Patrick was found hiding in a cupboard in his grandmother's house, while Thomas was discovered at his parents' house.

The orders had been put in place after the two teenagers waged a two-month reign of terror against neighbours.

During a two-day hearing at Swindon's County Court, neighbour Gary Sears told the court how he and his family had been driven out of Fyfield Avenue by harassment from local youths, including Thomas and Patrick.

He recalled how his daughter had been unable to attend school and his wife had developed a drinking problem because of the abuse suffered.

Liz Clark, of nearby Corsham Road, said that her life had been ruined by abuse from various members of the Hanratty family.

She claimed the Hanrattys had threatened her, attacked her house and car and made false accusations against her.

Judge Charles Wade said that there had been serious breaches in the orders and injunctions against Patrick and Thomas, and that Mr Hanratty and Miss Brett had not done enough to deter them from displaying anti-social behaviour.

Coun David Renard, Swindon Council's cabinet member for health, housing and social care said that he was delighted at the verdict.

He said: "It is a victory for the residents who have had to put up with their behaviour for so long.

"There are plenty of people on the council waiting list who do not behave in this unacceptable way, and would count themselves lucky to have their house."

After the verdict Mrs Clark said: "Judge Wade has shown with his ruling that those who partake in, or support, perpetrators of anti-social behaviour have to accept the full consequences of their actions.

"It is a testament to all those other residents of Penhill who had the courage to make statements."