Noisy neighbour must pay £7,100

Guilty of breaching noise abatement notice

A noisy neighbour from Slough has been told to pay more than £7,100 after being found guilty of breaching a noise abatement notice.

Derek Barrott, of Tamarisk Way, did not appear in court, however, the court heard how he continuously breached an abatement notice issued in October 2023, and prevented those in neighbouring flats from enjoying their homes.

Despite noise-making equipment being seized on two occasions in April and December last year, Barrott bought new equipment and continued to cause noise nuisance to his neighbours, Slough Magistrates’ Court heard.

The court heard how these actions and the noise from his flat had a significant adverse effect on the quality of life of his neighbours.

The seized equipment included 10 guitars, a trombone, two keyboards, a violin, drum pads, a turntable and mixer, multiple speakers and amplifiers, microphones, a CD player, an equalizer and a TV.

He was found guilty in his absence on Friday, March 8 at Slough Magistrates’ Court under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

He was fined £1,000 and must pay prosecution costs of £5,720.20 and a victim surcharge of £400, bringing the final total to £7,120.20.

Councillor Iftakhar Ahmed, lead member for community cohesion, planning, public health, public protection and leisure, said: “Despite warnings, letters and visits to his home, including seizures of the noise-making equipment, Mr Barrott had no intention of complying with the abatement notice. This conviction and fine shows how the courts will support our efforts in ensuring our residents can live in their own homes in peace.”

An application for forfeiture of the seized noise-making equipment was made under paragraph 3 of the Schedule to the Noise Act 1996 and it was granted by the Magistrates.