Pembrokeshire County Council has underlined its commitment to prevent anti-social behaviour from adversely impacting the lives of others and harming the environment.
Last month the Council secured a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against Gavin James of 18 Vicary Crescen, Milford Haven, after the defendant repeatedly ignored orders to remove household waste and refuse which was attracting rats and vermin.
The piles of rubbish had been classed a genuine public health concern.
The indefinite CBO prohibits behaviour which causes harassment, alarm or distress by failing to remove the waste from the property.
It is the first CBO secured by the Council’s Public Protection service and failure to comply with the order can result in a fine or imprisonment for up to four years.
Over several years, James has refused to engage with Council officers and ignored orders to remove piles of waste and refuse.
James and his family had previously been provided with skips and the Council had engaged a private contractor to remove waste, but further waste soon continued to accumulate.
James had ignored a previous Community Protection Warning and Community Protection Notice, as well as multiple notices under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act. Magistrates had also imposed a series of fines.
Incidents of public disorder, anti-social and intimidating behaviour including the playing of loud music have also impacted people living nearby.
At Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Wednesday August 21st James did not attend to hear a charge of failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice.
The case was found proven in his absence and Magistrates imposed the CBO to run indefinitely.
James was ordered to pay a £300 fine, plus victim surcharge of £120 as well as full costs of £2759.
Gaynor Toft, Council Head of Housing and Public Protection, said: “I wholeheartedly support the application for and the granting of the Criminal Behaviour Order in this case and thank all those who have worked so hard to achieve it.
“The failure to engage with officers and ignore orders to remove the waste and health hazard in this case is staggering.
“There have been multiple occasions and opportunities where this situation could have been resolved. However, I hope that this case shows that we simply will not allow residents to ignore rules and court orders and continue to adversely impact the lives of other people.
“Where we identify behaviours that impact the community, the Public Protection service, alongside Dyfed-Powys Police colleagues and members of the Community Safety Partnership will respond and will further the use of the CBO process where appropriate.”
