A problem tenant who allowed her dogs to cause a noise nuisance in her home has been sentenced in court following a case put together by Dudley Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team.

Miss Rachel Cook, 43, of Beecher Road East, Cradley, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on 11 April. Cook, who is believed to have had multiple dogs in her two bedroom council property at any one time, pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to comply with a noise abatement notice.

The court sentenced Miss Cook to a fine of £1,000 and ordered her pay £1364.45 costs, together with a victim surcharge of £170. A total of £2534.45.

In mitigation her solicitor said there had not been any problems since December and there were now just three dogs at the property. Alun Lunt, Deputy Chief Executive and strategic director for place at Dudley Council, said:

"Our ASB team works closely with residents to address the behaviour of the minority of tenants and residents who to go beyond acceptable noise levels and affect the daily lives of people who live nearby.

"We took this action after Miss Cook flouted the terms of her noise abatement notice and failed to show due regard for her neighbours.
The outcome of the case sends a clear message that we expect people to behave in a reasonable and considerate way.”

Anyone who wishes to report Anti-Social Behaviour and noise disturbance can contact the ASB team via Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345. If anyone encounters threatening or criminal behaviour they can contact the police via 101 or 999 if immediate assistance is required.