A NOISY neighbour whose dogs relentlessly barked in his garden during the early hours has been fined.

David Hewes, 75, failed to stop his four dogs from barking at his property in Mill Road, West Mersea, seven nights in a row between January 13 and 19.

It was despite the fact he was served with an abatement notice by Colchester Council legally compelling him to take action.

Hewes told Colchester Magistrates’ Court he has lived at the property for 50 years with dogs and that one of the offending group has since been put down.

Gazette: Noisy neighbour - Hewes' dogs could be heard barking during the early hours in Mill Road, West MerseaNoisy neighbour - Hewes' dogs could be heard barking during the early hours in Mill Road, West Mersea (Image: Google)

The defendant added he hoped the other dogs, who he keeps outside in the rear of his garden, will now stop barking “loudly” at night.

But he was fined after the court heard he had been advised several times that moving the dogs inside at night or to another part of his garden may improve the noise levels, but he failed to do so.

Hewes, of Mill Road, West Mersea, admitted breaching the abatement notice on seven occasions.

He was fined £400 and ordered to pay £310 in a victim surcharge and costs.

Gazette: Sentencing - David Hewes appeared before Colchester Magistrates' CourtSentencing - David Hewes appeared before Colchester Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “This case sends a strong message that the council considers noise disturbance a serious matter and will resort to legal action if necessary.

“Nuisance noise is not only disruptive to others, but it can also greatly impact people’s lives.

“While we always try to address complaints and find solutions that satisfy everyone, in this particular case we had to resort to legal measures to put an end to it.”

He added: “The council is committed to supporting residents by responding to inquiries, investigating, and intervening when necessary.”

Gazette: Warning - Mersea councillor John JowersWarning - Mersea councillor John Jowers

Mersea councillor John Jowers praised the action by council officers to help secure a prosecution.

“I would urge people to have regard for where they live and if they have a pet then act responsibly,” he said.

“Sometimes behaviour similar to anthropomorphism occurs where people think their dogs are human and don’t mind them barking loudly as they are so used to it.

“Live and let live is part of it but you can’t have dogs barking all night.”