MI5 whistleblower among squatters ordered out of National Trust farm

Former MI5 whistleblower David Shayler was today ordered to leave the National Trust property in which he is squatting.

Shayler, who joined other squatters at the Surrey farmhouse earlier this year, was not in court for the brief hearing this morning.

A judge at Guildford County Court said he would make an order for Hackhurst Farmhouse, Abinger, to be possessed after stating that the squatters were trespassing on the property.

Judge Robert Reid QC noted none of the squatters was present in court, adding: "This group usually make themselves fairly well known if they're going to turn up."

National Trust barrister Philip Glen said notices had been placed outside the farmhouse warning the squatters to vacate ahead of the court hearing.

Shayler now dresses as a woman and calls himself Dolores, and claims on his personal website that he is the Messiah.

A National Trust spokeswoman said: "We are very pleased with the judge's decision.

"Legal fees and the delay to scheduled building refurbishments have cost the National Trust, a charity supported by public donations, money that would normally fund our conservation work.

"We look forward to taking the farmhouse back into our possession as soon as possible."

The squatters moved into the farmhouse on June 26.