An elderly, disabled woman has been vindicated after her troublesome neighbour was fined for breaching his noise-abatement notice.

Andrew Mortimer, from Wells, was found guilty in his absence at Norwich Magistrate's Court on March 8, on two counts of breaching the notice, which was originally issued last July.

Mortimer failed to attend court for this hearing, nor an earlier court date,

The Northfield Waye resident was fined £180, and ordered to pay £600 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

It had been issued following complaints of loud music and deliberate knocking on the floor with a heavy object in the early hours, disturbing the complainant who lives below.

Councillor Hilary Cox, NNDC Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: 'Mortimer's behaviour had a severe detrimental effect on his neighbour's health and wellbeing.

'We don't issue these notices lightly, but we will take action when it is required.

'People who then fail to abide by these notices and continue with their anti-social behaviour must understand that we will not hesitate to bring a prosecution if necessary.'