Evicted son finally leaves parents’ home

The 30-year-old American man whose eviction from his parents’ suburban home drew global attention has finally left home, hours before a court-ordered deadline, with financial help from right-wing radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

Michael Rotondo honked and waved to reporters on Saturday as he pulled out of the driveway of his parents’ split-level ranch in Camillus, New York, two and a half hours before the noon deadline set by a judge last week.

He said his parents had said goodbye ‘‘more or less’’ and got his rumbling station wagon running after some false starts, according to the Post-Standard of Syracuse.

Mark and Christina Rotondo brought the court case against their son after several eviction letters offering money and other help were ignored. They offered him $US1100 ($NZ1600) ‘‘so you can find a place to stay’’ and nudged him to get a job.

‘‘There are jobs available even for those with a poor work history like you,’’ one letter they sent him reads. ‘‘Get one – you have to work!’’

A May 22 court appearance drew national attention. Rotondo refused the judge’s request to work things out directly with his parents. He failed to persuade the judge to grant him another six months with his parents.

Rotondo planned to spend the next week at an Airbnb. He credited Jones, who has asserted that the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre was a hoax, with providing a $US3000 cheque to cover rent and other costs. – AP