Noisy tenant sentenced for anti-social behaviour breach
Birmingham County Court has today (Friday 26th June 2015) given a custodial sentence of 20 weeks to a city council housing tenant for continuously breaching his Anti-Social Behaviour Order, originally served for causing noise and nuisance to his neighbours.
Michael Thornton (51) of Groveley Lane, Northfield was handed an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction in 2014. Since this time, Birmingham City Council has been made aware of a number of breaches which it has taken swift action to address; this has resulted in Thornton serving time in prison.
On the most recent breach on 8th June 2015, it is alleged he was causing excessive noise and nuisance behaviour whilst returning to his property in the early hours of the morning.
He was arrested and appeared in court, with the case being adjourned until today. Thornton had been bailed away from his home address and his injunction had been changed to enforce this. As a result of this and the historical incidents, Birmingham City Council will also be taken action against Michael Thornton’s tenancy.
Thornton was known to regularly play loud music which was most often described as ‘Irish rebel songs’ and Matchstalk Men. He was often heard shouting, swearing and singing in his property. This occurred throughout the day but was more prevalent during the night, usually when under the influence of alcohol and when there were visitors to his property who also contributed to the noise nuisance.
Taking action against these breaches was only made possible by the information provided by brave local residents who came forward as witnesses coupled with information provided by the local police team. Police officers worked together closely with the local housing office through joint visits to the tenant’s address, providing statements and attending court to give evidence.
Cllr James McKay, Cabinet Member for Inclusion and Community Safety added: “I hope that this prison sentence delivers a clear message to other individuals that Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions are a serious matter. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action should it be necessary to protect local residents. I congratulate the residents and officers involved with this case for their hard work and courage.”
Sergeant David Lamerton from the Northfield Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Thornton has persistently shown a flagrant disregard for the feelings of his neighbours. He has been offered help but has declined this and has chosen to continue his selfish behaviour.
“Consequently West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council have worked together to get a court order against him. He has chosen to flout this court order and now faces the consequences.
“We continue to work side by side with local housing officers to tackle anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhood.”
To report any other anti-social behaviour, please contact West Midlands Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
1. For more detail contact Natasha Bhandal on 0121 303 8727 or the Birmingham City Council Newsdesk on 0121 303 3287.
2. Crimestoppers is a national charity who provide secure means for people to get information to the police, anonymously and without fear of retribution, making their families and communities safer.
