Noisy Cambridge neighbour ordered to pay compensation

A neighbour who breached a noise abatement notice three times in less than five months has been ordered to pay compensation to the victim and had his music equipment forfeited.

Bruce Harward of Chalfont Close was served with the notice in August 2017 following several complaints from nearby residents about loud music coming from his home.

The notice, issued by Cambridge City Council, required Mr Harward to control the volume of the music so that he did not cause further noise nuisance.

However, on January, 29, April 21, and May 7, of last year, council officers witnessed breaches of the noise abatement notice. Mr Harward was then issued with a court summons.

Due to the seriousness and persistent nature of the offences, the council also obtained a warrant from Cambridge magistrates and this was executed at Mr Harward’s home on May 11 last year with police assistance.

Council enforcement officers seized a large amount of noisemaking equipment, including six speakers, two amplifiers, a CD player, a turntable and AV equipment.

At the initial hearing on the July 19, last year, Mr Harward pleaded not guilty to the breaches and his trial was held on the April 17.

Mr Harward pleaded not guilty but the magistrates were satisfied that he had breached the noise abatement notice on three occasions. He was found guilty of the offences.

He was ordered to pay £350 to the victim in compensation and the noise making equipment that had been seized was forfeited. This equipment will be disposed of by the council.

Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for climate change, environment and city centre, said: “Persistent noisy neighbours can be very distressing for people living nearby.

“The council takes the issue of statutory noise nuisance seriously and we do try to work with all parties involved to resolve these issues amicably.

“However, when this is not possible we will take action against those who refuse to cooperate and continue to make the lives of their neighbours unbearable.

“As this case shows, we will take persistent offenders to court if necessary.

“If anyone in Cambridge is suffering because of noisy neighbours I would urge them to report it to us because we will take action to help them.”