A LANDLORD has been fined hundreds of pounds for holding a two-day rock concert without permission.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court was told residents suffered foul language and a singer making obscene suggestions at the concert at the Crown, in Brantham.

Michael Anthony O’Brien, the designated premises supervisor, pleaded guilty to holding the event in the building’s car park on August 7 and August 8 last year.

The court heard rock bands played amplified music outdoors until 11.30pm.

Although O’Brien had applied for a temporary event notice to extend his licence to cover the event, he had not done so in tim and Babergh District Council informed him he should not proceed with it, the court was told.

O’Brien said he knew he was committing an offence, but held the concerts because he was expecting a large turnout and the bands wouldn’t fit inside the pub.

James Buckingham, Babergh Council’s principal environmental protection officer, said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision and the fine imposed.

“Mr O’Brien was warned he did not have the necessary licence and that he would be breaking the law, but went ahead with the event anyway for his own personal profit.

“He also appears to have given no thought to the distress he caused to local residents.”

O’Brien was fined £1,300, and ordered to pay £500 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.