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Sheffield City Council, in partnership with Sheffield Homes has been granted injunctions against David and Michelle Gonzalez, aged 26 and 27, of Framlingham Road, S2.

 

Sheffield County Court agreed the injunctions following complaints by the Gonzalez’s neighbours. Sheffield Homes started to investigate the complaints of noise nuisance in June. As part of the investigations the Gonzalez’s were informed about the complaint. Following this Sheffield Homes received further complaints of intimidation and threats of violence against the neighbours.

 

The injunctions forbid David and Michelle Gonzalez from causing nuisance by banging on the internal adjoining wall of their property, and verbally abusing, threatening, or communicating in any way with their neighbours or anyone with them. The injunctions will last for a year and if Mr or Mrs Gonzalez breach them they can be fined or sentenced to up to two years in prison. In Court His Honour Judge Bradshaw said he felt the orders were "necessary and proportionate as a means of avoiding further harm."

 

Councillor Bob McCann, Cabinet Member for Housing, and Safer, Sustainable Communities, said: "We always try to work with tenants to resolve noise problems, but where a situation is escalating like this then we have to take strong action to protect tenants. It is never acceptable to threaten neighbours."

A 25-year-old Heeley woman has promised to behave in a civil manner towards her neighbours in future.

 

Miss Jayne Blanchard of Derby Street, Heeley, gave the undertaking to His Honour Judge Moore QC at Sheffield County Court on Monday 14 April. She promised not to breach a condition of her tenancy which forbids tenants from causing nuisance and annoyance to others.

 

Sheffield Homes’ Anti Social Behaviour Team, supported by Sheffield City Council, obtained the court undertaking. Allegations were made by the Anti Social Behaviour Team that Miss Blanchard frequently allowed excessively loud music and noisy friends to disturb other neighbours, affecting the neighbours’ sleep and their ability to live a normal life without disruption.

 

While Miss Blanchard did not admit to any allegations made against her, she promised the court that in particular she will not make excessive noise from inside the property such as loud music, shouting, screaming, raised voices and banging. She also promised not to be verbally or physically abusive to others.

 

The undertaking will remain in force for 18 months. If Miss Blanchard breaks her promise, she could be taken back to court where she could face a fine or even a term of imprisonment.

 

Joanne Roney, Executive Director of Neighbourhoods and Community Care for Sheffield City Council, said: "Being unable to live a normal life because of the noise coming from your neighbour’s home is intolerable. The undertaking given by the tenant in this case should put an end to this behaviour. If not, there are further steps we will take."