Huddersfield man's stereo confiscated as neighbours' floors vibrate

Oct 14 2009 by Nick Lavigueur, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Earsplitting tunes cost Huddersfield man has his stereo

Ian Whiteley, defending, said there was no proof the TV and DVD player had caused any of the noise and 29-year-old Barrett – who lives with his partner – wanted them back to entertain his two young children.

Chairman of the bench Mr Malcolm Turner said the magistrates were concerned that such loud music was being played around young children.

Barrett was fined £100 and had his stereo seized but was allowed to reclaim his TV and DVD player.

He was also ordered to pay £300 court costs and the £15 victim surcharge.

Barrett’s stereo and speakers, which were on hire purchase, could now be crushed.

Owners of equipment seized by the council have just 12 months to apply for their property back.

The council recently destroyed stereo and TV equipment removed from 11 Kirklees houses over the last year as it is too expensive to have it checked for electrical safety for resale or to be given away.

More than 50 speakers, 30 items of stereo equipment, two televisions, one computer and thousands of CDs are now in the possession of the council.