Crime Solicitors

Brent Council has prosecuted a man who refused to stop leaving car trailers parked in a north London street.

Saiyed Hanif of Orchard Close, Alperton had parked the trailers in the north London street for more than ten years. At Harrow Crown Court on 19 December, the Judge upheld a Community Protection Notice from the case brought to magistrates by Brent Council in 2016.

It is the first time in the UK that a Community Protection Notice – a power that councils have under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 –
has been upheld at Crown Court.

Local Authorities were given powers under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act in 2014, allowing them to issue CPNs in circumstances where a resident's behaviour is unreasonable and having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living in the local area.

After receiving numerous complaints from residents of Orchard Close, council officers investigated and asked Hanif to remove his cars and trailers, which were stored illegally without number plates, or any form of permit.

However, despite clear evidence showing that the land was a public highway, he refused to co-operate and a Community Protection Notice was issued.

Hanif was ordered by the Judge to remove his trailers and vehicles from the street within 28 days, after which Brent Council would remove and destroy the vehicles, in order to uphold the court's orders.

The Judge also warned that failing to pay the fine within six months would result in 28 days’ imprisonment.

Brent Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Eleanor Southwood, said:

“This prosecution sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate people abandoning their vehicles in our area and causing upset to residents close by.

“We are determined to make Brent a clean, green and safe place to live – and this includes making sure the selfish actions of a few do not impact on the majority.

“If you are responsible for an eyesore and don't clear it up, then you should be prepared to face the financial consequences, as well as ending up with a criminal record.

“A special thanks to our diligent Enviro-Crime enforcement officers, who persevered with this case to make sure justice was done,” added Cllr Southwood.

Duncan Lewis Motoring Solicitors

Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors can advise at any stage of a motoring offence, including motorcycle crime, anti-social behaviour, speeding offences, careless or dangerous driving, DUI, vehicle maintenance offences, driving uninsured or without a licence.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a Duncan Lewis solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.