Cannabis user hit with fine for ignoring warnings to stop smoking

Woman ignored police warnings to smoking the drug in her house after complaints from neighbours
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Donna Waugh, of Chorley, was prosecuted after failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice ordering to stop using the drug.

The 40-year-old, who did not appear in court, was prosecuted for six charges of failure to comply with the notice issued by Chorley Council.

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Waugh, of Mendip Road, Clayton-le-Woods, was visited by council officers and PCSOs in July 2019 after reports of a strong smell of cannabis coming from her property, creating sleepless nights and anxiety for her neighbour.

Donna Waugh, of Chorley, ignored warnings to stop smoking cannabisDonna Waugh, of Chorley, ignored warnings to stop smoking cannabis
Donna Waugh, of Chorley, ignored warnings to stop smoking cannabis

During the visit Waugh was a warned that if it she persisted in smoking cannabis she would be issued with a Community Protection Warning which was later served in January 2020 after a further six incidents were reported.

After further incidents of the cannabis smell were recorded, a Community Protection Notice was served requiring Waugh to refrain from smoking cannabis that was causing distress to her neighbours. Her failure to do so on six occasions resulted in prosecution and a fine.

Coun Alistair Morwood, executive member of Chorley Council (Public Protection) said “Anti-social behaviour can blight the lives of those who are affected by it. When this is suffered within the home as a result of a neighbour’s actions, it’s difficult to escape and can have a significant impact on the lives of residents and their families.

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“We take these matters seriously and where possible try initially to tackle the problem informally, however if the problem continues as in this case, we will not hesitate to take further action which can end in prosecution for the perpetrator.”

Waugh was ordered to pay a £220 fine, £32 victim surcharge and £100 costs for the first offence, with no separate penalty for the other five offences.