Noisy Neighbour Convicted

17 February 2010

On Wednesday 3 February at Wycombe Magistrates Court, Mr William Taunton of High Wycombe was convicted on 14 counts of breaching a noise abatement notice under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Mr Taunton failed to attend court and was convicted of all charges in his absence.

Between 26 June and 13 October 2009, Mr Taunton breached a noise abatement notice on 14 separate occasions by playing loud music, such as to be audible in his neighbour's property.

The Magistrates felt the case was very serious because there were repeated offences despite warning letters from Council staff, the offences were intentional and noise nuisance can cause significant harm to neighbours including greatly affecting their mental health. Mr Taunton was ordered to pay a fine of £650, the Council's total costs of £908 and a victim surcharge of £15; a total of £1,538.

Council officers obtained a warrant to enter Mr Taunton's home and had seized his stereo and CD player to try and ensure the nuisance did not happen again, which was largely the case. The Court ordered that this equipment should not be returned to Mr Taunton so he will lose it.

Commenting on the outcome, Wycombe District Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Mrs Audrey Jones said: "this conviction is the result of the continued hard work our officers put in to protect residents' rights to enjoy their homes undisturbed. The council will not stand by and watch as lives are affected by the thoughtless acts of others. We do not take lightly the decision to enter people's homes and remove equipment but if the occasion demands and to protect the rights of others our officers will do this if necessary."