‘Tragedy’ for noisy family as council seizes their TV

A family that ruined their neighbours’ sleep by having their TV blast out songs like "Tragedy" and "Stand By You" late into the night have had it taken away, along with other audio equipment.

Council officials and police yesterday seized a TV, video player, DVD player, computer and a number of CDs from the home of Pamela Milner of 30 Broadlea Road, Bramley, Leeds, after she ignored warnings to keep the noise down.

Milner’s family regularly played music channel MTV at an excessive volume late into the night, meaning their neighbours were unable to get a decent night’s sleep and leaving them exhausted and distressed. Council officials heard the songs themselves when they visited one night.

Ms Milner was made aware the music was being played at unacceptable levels when a Noise Abatement Notice was served upon her in October. She was also warned that unless she stopped playing loud music, further action would be taken.

Despite this, she persisted and officers working the council’s out of hours noise service witnessed at least three occasions where she breached the terms of the abatement notice within a six-week period of it being issued.

Council officers working with West Yorkshire Police and West Northwest Homes Leeds, obtained a warrant from Leeds Magistrates Court and they entered Ms Milner’s property to seize the equipment in order to prevent future disturbance.

The council now intends to prosecute Ms Milner, which could lead to permanent forfeiture of the equipment and she could receive a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record.

Councillor James Monaghan, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for environmental services, said:
“Excessive noise at inappropriate times can make people’s lives a misery and I am pleased we have carried out this seizure.
“Where there are complaints we will warn people, but if they do not modify their behaviour we will take action against them.”

ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Michael Molcher, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 224 3937
Email: michael.molcher@leeds.gov.uk