Noisy neighbour prosecuted for disturbing Castlefields neighbours (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Noisy neighbour prosecuted for disturbing Castlefields neighbours

6:40pm Friday 27th January 2012 in News By World reporter

A NOISY neighbour who shouted, slammed doors and stamped across the floor has been prosecuted.

Keith Garbutt, aged 36, of Keepers Walk, Castlefields, Runcorn, and his family disturbed his neighbours so much, they complained to Halton Council.

Garbutt admitted two offences of breaching a noise abatement notice when he appeared at Runcorn Magistrates Court on January 16.

He was fined £65 and ordered to pay £237.82 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Residents living below his flat complained about banging on the floors, slamming doors and shouting, in April, 2011.

They had tried to talk to the culprits but this had not changed their behaviour, the court heard.

The complainant was given noise diaries and returned them in June, noting dates and times of any disturbance.

Noise recording equipment was installed in July and recorded noise coming from Garbutt’s flat.

An abatement notice was served on Garbutt, warning him to curb the shouting and excessive banging.

He told council officials he thought it may be his children who were causing the problems and he promised to address the issues.

However, weeks later, neighbours said they were still being disturbed.

Noise monitoring equipment was installed again in August and October, and recorded more banging and shouting.

Garbutt was prosecuted for breaching the noise abatement order.