A MAN recently cleared to return to his council home by one of Thurrock Council's senior officers is now to be hauled before a court again charged with multiple offences.

Zach McCarthy has been a thorn in the side of police, council housing officers and residents in the village of Orsett where he lived before being evicted for consistent anti-social behaviour.

His council flat in Phillips House has been boarded up since he was kicked out and residents were hopeful less troublesome tenant would be moved in once the flat has been upgraded.

However, in March they were shocked to learn that Assistant Director Mike Dineen had overruled his own housing officers and police advice and paved the way for him to return.

Village residents and local councillors were shocked by the decision and condemned Mr Dineen's ruling.

Now, it appears they have been vindicated in the wake of a police press release today, announcing McCarthy, 30, has been charged with multiple offences including burglary and robbery.

The statement says: "A man is due to appear in court again next month charged with multiple offences following wok by our officers.

"Zach McCarthy of Tennyson Walk, Tilbury, initially appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court last Monday (20 April) charged with burglary, robbery, five counts of theft of a pedal cycle, two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, and one count of theft from a shop.

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"The charges relate to a number of incidents which took place throughout March in Grays including bikes being stolen from a local school and items worth a four figure sum taken during a burglary.

"He's next due to appear at Basildon Magistrates Court on 18 May."

The statement adds: "The investigation has involved a number of teams including the Neighbourhood Policing Team, which is led by Inspector Dan Selby."

Insp Selby said: "These charges represent the hard work of a number of teams who work every day to keep you safe."

Orsett councillor Barry Johnson said: "I am now pleased to see that the person responsible for the mayhem caused at this address is finally set to be punished.

"That aside, this property would have been better suited for a needy person or family. I can only imagine that there was some legal or lawful reason that the property could not be let during the investigation period but if this is not the case then I wholeheartedly agree that no council properties should be held for persons who do not respect them and their neighbours."