A Dagenham resident has been ordered to pay more than £3,700 after repeatedly breaching a legal notice issued by Barking and Dagenham Council to stop ongoing noise nuisance affecting neighbours. 

The prosecution follows enforcement action taken by the council earlier this year, when officers seized DJ equipment and other items from the property after continued complaints from residents. 

Mr Peter Hewitt, of Bentry Road, Dagenham, was found guilty in his absence at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on 18 August 2026 of two counts of breaching an Abatement Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The offences related to incidents on 16 March and 29 May 2026, after the council received further reports of loud amplified music causing a statutory noise nuisance. 

In June, the council secured a warrant from Barkingside Magistrates' Court to enter the property and seize noise-making equipment after repeated breaches of the notice and a previous conviction. Supported by Police and a locksmith, officers seized DJ equipment, speakers, microphones, a laptop, tablet and a large television in a bid to prevent further disturbance to neighbouring residents. 

The latest prosecution represents the next stage in the case and follows the council's decision to take strong enforcement action against the persistent nuisance. At the hearing, the court fined Mr Hewitt £1,000, ordered him to pay council costs of £2,356.16 and a victim surcharge of £400. 

The court also granted the council's application for forfeiture of the seized equipment, meaning the items can now be disposed of following the statutory appeals period. 

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "No resident should have to put up with ongoing noise nuisance that affects their quality of life.

“The offender continued to ignore his responsibilities and the impact his behaviour was having on neighbours. This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate persistent noise nuisance in Barking and Dagenham. We encourage residents to continue reporting noise nuisance so we can take action where it is needed."