SARH wins legal case against noisy resident

A woman has been threatened with jail if she disturbs her neighbours again.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) applied for a Committal Order against Leanne Smalling, 21, of Poplar Way, at Stafford County Court, on Thursday, October 7.

The legal action followed several complaints from neighbours that Mrs Smalling had been playing extremely loud music at her home, which breached an Anti-social Behaviour Injunction for noise nuisance granted against her on Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

Kathryn Bradbury, SARH Neighbourhood Services Manager, said: “This case sends out a clear message that Stafford and Rural Homes will not hesitate to take action against those who do not comply with the terms of their tenancy agreement and orders granted by the courts.”

Statements were provided during the court hearing from a neighbour and SARH’s Neighbourhood Services Team.

In the hearing District Judge Illsley ordered that Mrs Smalling be jailed for six weeks, suspended until October 7, 2011.

The order will not be put into force during that time as long as the defendant obeys the term of the original Injunction Order. Costs of £2,677.50 were also awarded.

Kathryn Bradbury added: “This is an excellent result for SARH and for the local residents. Any further breaches by Leanne Smalling will result in an application for court enforcement of the committal order.