Second seizure as man ignores warnings

A Rochdale man’s entertainment systems have been confiscated for a second time.

Michael Lilley, 20, of Henderson Street, Smallbridge had a further 9 items seized by Environmental health officers including; two televisions, a tv/dvd player, a freeview box, playstation2, ipod docking station, CD player and speakers. This is on top of 6 items that were previously seized on 30 December 2009.

The council has been receiving complaints about loud music being played late into the night for months prior to the first sezure. However, there wasn’t any rest for neighbours even after the council stripped the property of its sound systems. The council still continued to receive complaints and officers witnessed a further breach of music blaring on 1 February 2010.

Rochdale magistrates issued another warrant on 5 February 2010 for the removal of all additional items being used by Mr Lilley to make noise from the property.

Mr Lilley faces a hefty bill to reclaim his property following the two seizures. In order to receive the items the he will need to prove ownership and pay the expenses incurred in the seizure and storage of the equipment. The total cost for the first seizure will be £744.05 but now Mr Lilley will have to pay a further £505.09 to get the equipment back taken from the second seizure.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Mr Lilley has clearly not learnt his lesson. It’s totally unacceptable to ignore our warnings and continue to cause such a disruption to his neighbours’ lives. But he’s suffered twice as much now for his inconsiderate behaviour. Hopefully now he’ll realize that we’re serious about taking action against people who are causing an annoyance in our communities."

The equipment will be kept in storage for a minimum of 28 days and Mr Lilley will have to apply for it back by writing to the council. Any further breaches could lead to further seizures if new equipment is bought, or even prosecution.