Peter Nobile had the volume turned up so high on television and radio shows that next-door neighbour Margaret Sweeney, 58, could hear every word through the wall.

Environmental health chiefs placed a noise abatement notice on his property in Arley Street, Chorley, in February and decided to prosecute when the noise continued despite the warning.

Leyland Magistrates Court heard two sound recordings made through Mrs Sweeney's wall. Nobile, thought to be in his early 60s, could be heard watching Hollyoaks and a film.

Environmental health officer Susan Briggs told the court she had visited Nobile's home to discuss whether he had hearing difficulties.
She said: "He firmly believed he did not have any hearing problem and was not disposed to seek advice from his GP or otherwise."

Mrs Sweeney, who lives with her son, said the noise problems started when she moved in in June last year.

She asked Nobile to turn down his TV and radio but he ignored both her and the abatement notice.

She said: "He didn't seem to take any notice of what had been said to him. This last couple of months, he has made it even worse for me.

"I have felt like going next door to take his radio out. It was just unbearable."

Nobile failed to appear at court to face a charge of contravening the noise notice.

Magistrate Pat Arrowsmith fined him £350 and ordered him to pay £809.31 costs and £15 to a victims' surcharge fund. She said the offence had had a "detrimental" effect on Mrs Sweeney's well-being.

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