In both cases the fines were issued for breaking noise laws by playing music too loudly.

In the first case, a Woolwich restaurant was prosecuted after several incidences of playing loud music and bothering neighbours in spite of repeated warnings.

In the second case, a woman from Woolwich Common was fined £500 after consistently playing music in spite of several warning letters.

Prosecuted for repeatedly ignoring warnings

A case against the Sun Jam Restaurant, Spray Street, Woolwich, was heard at Bromley Magistrates' Court on 31 January for several contraventions of a Noise Abatement Notice by Mr Paul Soloman Powell, the restaurant's owner.

The Royal Borough submitted evidence of repeated nuisance from the playing of loud amplified music. Mr Powell admitted to the offence of making noise that amounted to a statutory noise nuisance. Mr Powell was fined £210 with a surcharge of £30. Costs in the sum of £1000 were also ordered. As a further disciplinary measure, the Court issued an order to confiscate the equipment seized by the Royal Borough.

A second case regarding significant noise at a residential property was heard on 27 February at Bexley Magistrates' Court. Debbie Clare West, of Woolwich Common, was found guilty of two offences of causing statutory noise nuisance and breaching a Noise Abatement Order. She was fined £500 (£250 for each offence). Costs of £1,101.80 were also awarded against her. The Court issued an order to confiscate the stereo equipment seized by the Royal Borough.

Report a noise nuisance

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment said, "I hope these successful prosecutions act as a warning to repeat noise nuisance offenders that the Royal Borough will take the firmest action possible to eradicate this criminal behaviour, especially against those who are in breach of Noise Abatement Orders.

"I encourage residents who may be suffering from noise nuisance to get in touch with our Noise Team confidentially and help us send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated."