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News

Successful Prosecution Of Noisy Neighbour

The Borough of Poole’s Environment and Consumer Protection Services successfully prosecuted a noisy neighbour last week who was found guilty of breaching a noise abatement.

A noise abatement is issued by the council to perpetrators of persistent noise nuisance such as loud stereos and televisions. The notice prohibits certain noisy activities and, if breached, can result in the confiscation of the equipment and/or a substantial fine.

Neighbours complained last year about Mr Law from Branksome, Poole who was a fan of heavy metal music and when E&CPS officers first heard the noise in late November 2005 Mr Law was informed verbally and in writing that his conduct was a cause for complaint.

More nuisance noise was subsequently heard leading to a noise abatement notice being served on Mr Law in early December 2005. Despite this, just after midnight on the 23rd December 2005 very loud music was heard again and Mr Law refused to answer his door to council officers.

A warrant to enter his property was obtained and on entering officers were shocked  to find a vast amount  of sound equipment. 25 separate items were removed from the one bedroom flat including a pair of speakers over 4 feet tall that needed two people to carry them, various cd players amplifiers, guitars and other sound equipment.

The trial of Mr Law took place on the 12th July where he was found guilty of breaching the abatement notice served on him by the Council. Mr Law was ordered to pay £240 towards the Council’s costs. He also received a conditional discharge for 12 months and forfeited a large amount of the seized sound equipment.

The magistrates warned Mr Law to respect the lives of those living around him and complimented the council officers, and the neighbour who appeared in court, for their efforts in bringing the case forward.

Lucy Magill, Regulatory Services Manager, Environment and Consumer Protection Services said: “Disturbing the peace in this way can have a detrimental effect on the whole neighbourhood and therefore it is not something we take lightly. We are pleased at the outcome of this case and congratulate the hard work of everyone involved.”

Lucy Magill, Regulatory Services Manager, Environment & Consumer Protection Services on 01202 261736