Barry Collins was the last remaining resident at the block of around 40 flats at 23 Newbold Terrace, following a decision made by owners Orbit Heart of England to sell the property.

After Mr Collins resisted four attempts to evict him, the father-of-seven - who has been taking anti-depressants to deal with the situation - decided to represent himself when the case went to court.

Speaking at Coventry County Court on Monday, he said: "I have lived in Leamington for 35 years. I wanted somewhere I could call a home - not just bricks and mortar."

Mr Collins, 59, had been offered a choice of alternative accommodation, including a two-bedroom flat in Bertie Terrace and houses in Baddesley Close and Napton Drive.

He was also given the option to move to a house on the Woodloes in Warwick, putting him closer to his girlfriend and three daughters.

But his steadfastly refused, preferring his £53-a-week flat near the town centre.

He added: "The reason I did not accept the Bertie Terrace property was because it had really old-fashioned heaters and I would be cold there.

"I wanted a place that would be warm. If it had proper heating I would go there."

Judge Oliver James said: "There is no evidence to suggest the accommodation provided could be said to be unsuitable. The properties available are in any view better than what he has - bigger and better."

He added: "It seems to me Mr Collins is here on a false errand. All I am afraid of is to allow him to cut off his nose to spite his face."

Judge James ordered Mr Collins to choose between moving to either the flat in Bertie Terrace or Baddesley Close, or having to pay £20,000 in court costs to pursue the case further.

Mr Collins now has three weeks to move.

Speaking after the hearing, he said: "The judge forced me to take Bertie Terrace or a little shoebox so I took the cold flat. He said if I don't agree I could lose the house and be out of £20,000.

"This is blackmail and absolutely dreadful. It was like being beaten up. The house has no proper security - I'm dreading it. I will be 60 in two months."

Orbit Heart of England regional services manager Lee Steele said after the hearing: "Several offers of alternative accommodation were offered to Mr Collins but we were unable to reach an amicable agreement."