Britain's biggest landlord has banned "battered wives" from his properties claiming he does not want to risk ex-husbands or boyfriends returning to destroy his houses.

Fergus Wilson, who runs a property empire in Kent, said he will no longer take victims of domestic violence as jealous or angry partners typically cause damage by kicking down front doors and punching holes in the interior.

He has also barred plumbers from becoming tenants in his latest "letting criteria" because he believes they rip him off when it comes to advice about repairs.