Nuisance neighbour has house shut down
A Sunderland home has been put under a closure order after a long list of complaints against a noisy neighbour who “repeatedly” breached an antisocial behaviour injunction.
The injunction was first brought by Sunderland City CouncilagainstRoxanneBrennan, of Sandringham Road in Roker, in September.
It followed complaints of loud music being played “throughoutthedayandnight, abusive and threatening language, and physical violence” which were substantiated by a council investigation.
Residents told officers life returned to normal for a few months after the injunction, but the council says the adult disorder,verbalaggressionand physicalviolencehas“sincebecome worse than ever.”
Its Neighbourhoods Enforcement Team submitted a closure order application to the courts when further reports of excessive noise, foul language,shouting,screaming andthreatsofviolencewerereported by residents.
They were corroborated by the council’s noise monitoring application,enforcementofficer patrols, witness statements and police logs.
The order – granted by South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court – remains in effect for a period of three months and prohibitsanyonefromremaining on or entering the premises, except the landlord/agent for maintenance purposes.
Any person breaching the order will be liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 51 weeks imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The closure order is an interim measure to ensure the anti-social behaviour desists immediately and gives respite to residents whose quality of life is being impacted. A file for breachoftheanti-socialbehaviour injunction has also been submitted to the courts.
Fiona Brown, the council’s Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, said: "We feel that the outcome of this case sends out a strong message that persistent anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Sunderland.
"Ms Brennan’s neighbours have been negatively affected byherirresponsiblebehaviour and our priority is to protect thedecent,lawabidingcitizens of our city.
"Individuals persistently showingdisregardforthecommunity and allowing their actions to have a detrimental effect on others will be dealt with via the sternest possible means."