A Slough man has been found guilty of breaching a noise abatement notice and must pay a total of £7,120.20.

Derek Barrott, of Tamarisk Way, Slough, did not appear in court, but the court heard how he continuously breached an abatement notice issued in October 2023, and prevented occupiers of neighbouring flats from the enjoyment of their homes.

Despite two seizures of noise-making equipment in April and December 2023, Mr Barrott bought new equipment and continued to cause noise nuisance to his neighbours, Magistrates heard.

The court heard how these actions and the noise coming from his flat had a significant adverse effect on the quality of life of his neighbours.

Among the seized equipment were 10 guitars, two keyboards, a trombone, a violin, drum pads, a turntable and mixer, multiple speakers and amplifiers, microphones, a CD player, an equalizer and a TV.

He was found guilty in his absence at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 March, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. He was fined £1,000, must pay prosecution costs of £5,720.20 and a victim surcharge of £400, making a total of £7,120.20.

Councillor Iftakhar Ahmed, lead member for community cohesion, planning, public health, public protection and leisure, said: “Despite warnings, letters and visits to his home, including seizures of the noise-making equipment, Mr Barrott had no intention of complying with the abatement notice.

“This conviction and fine shows how the courts will support our efforts in ensuring our residents can live in their own homes in peace.”

An application for forfeiture of the seized noise-making equipment was made under paragraph 3 of the Schedule to the Noise Act 1996 and this was granted by the Magistrates.