STATEMENT RE: Gary Hendrickson

The following statement has been issued by Ali Akbor, Chief Executive, Unity Homes and Enterprise:

‘I was disappointed to read misleading comments made by Gary Hendrickson in a Yorkshire Evening Post article published on Tuesday 14 July 2015’

‘Further, this story led to the launch of an online petition which has since attracted significant support. I believe it is only fair to those who signed this petition and the wider public that the true facts are known’.

‘A senior Unity representative telephoned Gary Hendrickson on 25 September 2014 to discuss the significant level of rent arrears showing in his account.’

‘The following day, in a minuted meeting held at Unity, Mr Hendrickson alleged that a Unity employee had collected his rental payments in cash but not credited these funds against his account’

‘Unity immediately informed West Yorkshire Police of the allegation against this individual – who is no longer employed by Unity and against whom litigation proceedings remain ongoing – and asked Mr Hendrickson to present evidence in support of his claim.‘

‘Unity made clear from the outset that we would consider all reasonable forms of documentation including receipts, bank statements and submissions to HM Revenue and Customs.’

‘During the subsequent three months, Mr Hendrickson refused to make any further rental payments and, indeed, asserted that his rental account should be significantly in credit.’

‘However, despite repeated requests by Unity, Mr Hendrickson still failed to present any supportive evidence that payments were made.’

‘Unity applied to HM Courts and Tribunals Service on 29 December 2014 to recover the debts. Mr Hendrickson did not make any representation nor present any evidence. On 3 February 2015 the county court ruled in Unity’s favour.’

‘A letter was issued to Mr Hendrickson’s solicitor on 17 April 2015 offering to suspend enforcement action for a further 21 days to allow his client a final opportunity to present any evidence of rental payments having been made. None was forthcoming.‘

‘We consider the legal route to be an absolute last resort but regrettably, given the scale of the debt and Mr Hendrickson’s stance of non-cooperation, we have been left with no alternative’