Milford Haven man in court for rat-infested rubbish pile

Pembrokeshire County Council has demonstrated its commitment to preventing anti-social behaviour that negatively impacts others and the environment by enforcing this order.

Gavin James of Vicary Crescent was issued the CBO last month due to repeated refusal to remove household waste, classed as a genuine public health concern.

This resulted in an infestation of vermin.

The CBO, issued indefinitely, prohibits behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress by ignoring the necessity of waste removal from the property.

It is the first CBO secured by the council's public protection service.

The waste resulted in a vermin infestation (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council)

Non-compliance may lead to a fine or up to four years imprisonment.

James's history has seen a consistent refusal to engage with council officers or adhere to orders for the disposal of waste over several years.

Despite the provision of skips, engagement of a private contractor for waste removal, and the imposition of numerous fines, James disregarded a Community Protection Warning, a Community Protection Notice and notices under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act.

The unacceptable behaviour also included public disorder, anti-social acts and intimidation, including the playing of loud music, affecting residents.

He was issued a criminal behaviour order in his absence (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council)

Gaynor Toft, council head of housing and public protection, highlighted the severity of the situation and applauded the team behind the CBO application.

Ms Toft 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."

She continued: "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.

The rubbish had been declared a health hazard (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council)

"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."

On August 21, Haverfordwest Magistrates Court found James guilty in his absence for failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice.

The court sentenced him to an indefinite CBO, a £300 fine, a victim surcharge of £120, and full costs of £2,759.