Crime
Peace comes at a cost – nearly £4,000 as it happens – to Cambridge neighbourhood
Cambridge City Council prosecuted Ben Thornton of Howard Road, Cambridge
A Cambridge man paid a hefty price for annoying his neighbours. He was fined a £3,924 including costs and a victim surcharge. And mixing decks, speakers, and stereo systems that prompted complaints about noise, were seized and disposed of by Cambridge City Council.
Ben Thornton was found guilty on five counts of breaching the noise abatement notice when he appeared before Cambridge magistrates.
They also agreed to a forfeiture order to remove and dispose of the equipment that prompted complaints.
Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for climate action and environment said, “Living with constant noise nuisances can be really difficult and can make being in your home intolerable.
“Residents should be able to enjoy their homes without intrusive noise from nearby properties.”
She added: “Whilst sometimes it may be possible to talk to your neighbour who may be causing a noise nuisance, we understand that residents don’t always feel comfortable doing so.
Ben Thornton refused to comply with repeated requests to turn down the noise. Now he’s paying a hefty price for not complying. This is the equipment seized and destroyed by Cambridge City Council.
“It is important that if this is the case, residents report noise issues to us so that we can mediate and where necessary take action to stop it.”
Cllr Moore said that the city council take incidents of noise nuisance very seriously.
“It can be a very unpleasant situation,” she said. “In order to be able to enjoy the best our communities have to offer it is important that we be considerate of one and other.”
Cambridge City Council prosecuted Thornton of Howard Road, Cambridge, after conducting an investigation and determined that he was causing a statutory noise nuisance by playing loud music that was disturbing neighbours.
The council issued a noise abatement notice to Thornton which, when issued, requires a resident to reduce the noise they are making.
Thornton continued to cause a noise nuisance.
“As a result, the council obtained a warrant from Cambridge magistrates’ court that allowed them to enter the resident’s property, with support from the police,” said a council spokesperson.
Mixing decks, speakers, and stereo systems were seized from the property.
In October 2023, the case was presented to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, where Thornton was found guilty on five counts of breaching the noise abatement notice.
He was fined a total of £3,924 including costs and a victim surcharge.
“In addition, a forfeiture order was granted, and the equipment seized was disposed of by the council,” added the spokesperson.
The spokesperson said that if you are troubled by a noise nuisance “you may wish to speak to your neighbour if you feel safe to do so.
“If not, you are encouraged to report noise nuisance here.”
