Greenwich tenants silenced and fined for repeated noise nuisance

by WO Staff | Greenwich

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has successfully prosecuted a Greenwich husband and wife for causing an on-going noise nuisance to their neighbours.

* Illustration only.

Donald and Michelle Strachn, tenants at a flat in Combedale Road SE10, pleaded guilty at Bexley Magistrates Court on June 23 to failing to comply with a noise abatement notice served by the Royal Borough’s Noise Team. 

They now face combined fines and costs of more than £800 and have also had their stereo equipment seized by the Royal Borough.

The Court heard that the Strachns had caused repeated nuisance to their neighbours over a sustained period of time by playing loud amplified music. Despite a number of warnings the couple also ignored the Royal Borough’s abatement notice and continued to disturb their neighbours.

Mr Strachn was fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 in Costs with a victim surcharge of £20.  Mrs Strachn was fined £100 and ordered to pay £200 in Costs with a victim surcharge of £20.

The Court also issued a forfeiture order for their stereo equipment which was seized by Council Noise officers with a warrant of entry.

Councillor Jackie Smith, Royal Greenwich Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment said: “Continuing to play loud music in the way this couple did is not only inconsiderate and selfish, it causes considerable distress to neighbours and is an offence.   The fact that the Strachns were served with the abatement notice means that they were fully aware of the problems they were causing, but they still persisted to ignore the order.

“I hope that the fines they have received alongside the seizure of their equipment will provide them, and others who cause a noise nuisance, with a clear message that we will take strong action to protect residents from the distress of excessive noise.”

To report noise nuisance contact the Noise Team on 020 8921 8921 or email noise.team@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.