A Dagenham resident has been fined after being found guilty at court for repeatedly breaching a noise abatement notice by playing extremely loud amplified music, despite multiple warnings and opportunities to comply.
Mr Peter Hewit, of Bentry Road, Dagenham, was ordered to pay a total of £2,094, including a £660 fine, £264 victim surcharge and £1,170 in costs, following ongoing enforcement action by the council’s Noise Nuisance Team.
The case began on 6 May 2025, when officers responded to reports of extremely loud amplified music coming from Mr Hewit’s address. Officers confirmed the noise constituted a statutory nuisance and advised him to reduce the volume due to the impact on neighbours.
The following day, 7 May 2025, the council issued an abatement notice under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, requiring the noise to stop immediately.
Despite this, on 16 May 2025, officers again witnessed loud amplified music causing vibrations, confirming a breach of the abatement notice. Mr Hewit was warned in person and issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, which would have prevented further action if paid.
However, the Fixed Penalty Notice remained unpaid despite reminders and he was summoned to appear at Barkingside Magistrates Court on 3 February 2026.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety: “Everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, free from excessive and unreasonable noise. Despite being given multiple warnings and opportunities to change his behaviour, Mr Hewit chose to ignore the impact his actions were having on his neighbours.
“This outcome sends a clear message: we will not hesitate to take action against individuals who repeatedly cause disturbance and fail to comply with the law.”
Since the abatement notice was originally served, the council has received 37 complaints about ongoing loud amplified music at the address, demonstrating persistent disregard for neighbours and legal requirements. A further breach was also witnessed on 9 January 2026, prior to the court hearing.