Acorn union fear dad of two has lost Norwich eviction battle

Emad Hamami, who lives in Grasmere Close, Earlham, with his two children and carer, has been battling Norwich City Council for the last three years.

The 55-year-old, who had a stroke in 2019, has been fighting to stay in the property after claims he is under-occupying the two-bedroom house with his 19-year-old son Dean.

Members from Acorn and neighbours outside Emad's home in November the first time the council tried to evict him (Image: Acorn Norwich)

The saga has been centred on the result of Mr Hamami's Family Court proceedings which took place on December 18, determining whether he was granted custody of his 13-year-old son, Matin.

On December 13, members of community union Acorn Norwich disrupted a city council cabinet meeting to demand that the head of housing and community safety, Labour councillor Beth Jones, halt the eviction proceedings.

In December members of Acorn Norwich disrupted a city council cabinet meeting to demanding a halt of the eviction proceedings (Image: Acorn Norwich)

However, despite being granted custody of Matin, Emad is still expected to be handed an eviction notice from the council, putting his home of 13 years in jeopardy once again.

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An Acorn Norwich spokesman said: "We're expecting any day now that Emad will receive a two-week notice period for eviction, sought by Norwich City Council through the High Court.

Emad Hamami, 55, has been battling with the Norwich City Council for more than three years about his eviction (Image: Acorn Norwich)

"If that is prevented, we understand that the High Court could grant the bailiffs legal right to evict without giving prior notice.

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"This is still happening, even after the Family Court granted custody of Emad's son, Matin, to him. 

Emad's home, in Grasmere Close, Earlham (Image: Acorn Norwich)

"This is also despite the judge at the last hearing ordering the council to acknowledge that Matin had been given into his father's custody."

Acorn has been door-knocking in Emad's neighbourhood, which is in the city council ward that Ms Jones represents, to ask for views on the matter.

A Norwich City Council spokesman said: "We are currently involved in ongoing conversations with Mr Hamami about his tenancy and can’t comment further at this point."