Asbo man gets neighbours in a spin
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
19/05/2008
A White City man who played Bob Marley records throughout the night, stopping his neighbours from sleeping, has been fined and given an indefinite Asbo – less than a year after he was fined for the same offence.
Persistent record-spinner, Wilfred Barton, of Hargraves House, Australia Road on the White City Estate, ignored his neighbours’ pleas for him to be quiet for nearly three years.
Barton was ordered to pay a fine of £500 and £300 towards the council's costs, as well as a £15 victim support surcharge, all of which he must pay by June 16. The council also seized a stereo, speakers and their cables, along with 300 vinyl reggae records, 16 CDs and 107 cassettes.
The judge also granted an Asbo against Barton, preventing him from causing noise nuisance for his neighbours, which has no time limit. This means that if Barton reverts to his old ways he could face up to five years in jail.
Councillor Greg Smith, Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: “We take a zero-tolerance approach to noisy neighbours from hell. Barton showed no regard for the law or residents living near him and now he is paying the price.”
Following months of warnings, a noise abatement notice was served on Barton in May 2006. In April 2007, he was fined and prosecuted for breaching the council notice, and had his record player taken off him by the court. Barton successfully appealed against the seizure of record player, hi-fi and speakers and his extensive record collection of over 250 reggae hits.
But despite being given a second chance, Barton continued to cause chaos with his loud music leading to more complaints from neighbours throughout last summer. Barton continued to play excessive loud music and paid no attention to warnings from the council, which decided enough was enough.
Cllr Smith added: “It doesn’t matter if it’s Bob Marley, Beethoven or the Beastie Boys, the message is clear – this council will not tolerate those who force noise on their neighbours and stop them from getting a good night’s sleep.”
H&F Homes has also served a notice seeking possession of the flat where Barton lives.
