Ammanford pub owner’s relief as legal fight ends (From South Wales Guardian)

Ammanford pub owner’s relief as legal fight ends

9:05am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

THE landlady of an Ammanford pub has spoken of her relief at the end of a three-year legal battle which paves the way for pub giants J D Weatherspoon to move into town.

Elaine Temblett, of The Cottage Inn, has finally secured the eviction of sitting tenant Mustafa Binboga – a convicted rapist – who formerly ran Best Kebab in Wind Street.

But Mrs Temblett and her husband Dennis – who agreed to sell The Cottage to JD Wetherspoon three years ago – say the dispute has cost them over £20,000 in legal fees.

“To say we’re relieved is an understatement,” Mrs Temblett told the Guardian. “Binboga is in jail in Turkey but his solicitors have been acting on his behalf.”

Back in November 2011 the Guardian revealed Binboga – on the run from authorities in his home country for more than 18 years – had taken over the licence of the Southern Fried Chicken outlet inAmmanford’s College Street.

The 48-year-old businessman was convicted of rape and attempted child molestation by a Turkish court in 1991 and sentenced to 12 years’ jail, but absconded and fled to the UK where he set up numerous businesses.

It was only when he was arrested in Pembrokeshire in 2010 on an unrelated matter that Dyfed- Powys Police discovered he was the subject of an international arrest warrant.

Mrs Temblett said she launched legal proceedings against Binboga when his lease on Best Kebab expired in the summer of 2010. An “amicable” agreement was reached before a hearing in Cardiff last week.

“Wetherspoons just now need to sign the final contract,” she said. “They will bring more people into Ammanford – I’m convinced the town will have more winners than losers.

“We’re grateful to all our customers for their support over the past 27 years years as well as our hard-working staff, particularly the late Leann Harris.”