To think there is nothing that can be done about this neighbour issue....

[woolythoughts]

This is an issue with for mothers neighbours (the Smiths) which caused a philosophical argument between me and her. I’m curious as to what exactly could be done by the Smiths. I have posted here and in Legal just to be completely transparent.

1. The Smiths had new neighbours move in, lets call them the Jones.
2. Jones were extremely loud during the night causing the Smiths sleep to be disrupted multiple times – shouting, screaming etc.
3. Mrs Smith politely asked the Jones to be considerate as they hadn’t slept properly for days. I believe this was done politely as Mrs Smith wouldn’t say boo to a goose and wouldn’t hurt a fly.
4. Since then, the Jones have: a. Deliberately made noise in order to irritate the Smiths b. Set out to post abhorrent things about Mrs Smith on various social media platforms. This is daily and is pushing Mrs Smith to the edge. c. The Smiths are in negative equity so would find it difficult to move but don’t want to do anything that would hurt their chances if they get to breaking point

My View:

I don’t think there is anything that the Smiths can actually do.

1. They could try the council for noise nuisance but that is so hard to actually achieve anything by and would have an official neighbour dispute on record
2. I’m not actually sure whether (1) makes any difference as part of my brain is saying you now have to disclose if there is anything a potential purchaser needs to know about even if not formal dispute so they would have to disclose it anyway. I may be wrong on this.
3. In terms of the social media, they are not inciting violence or referring to any protected characteristic – just being absolutely vile. Therefore, I don’t think they are breaking any law as such since we do have freedom of speech.
4. Best I could think of is maybe trying to get the police to bring a case for harassment….. but probably a long shot.

Conclusion: The Jones are doing this because they know it upsets the Smiths and the best thing is to learn to ignore it and the Jones will get bored eventually. It’s the best way to deal with bullies.

My mothers views:

The police would have to do something and it has to be Libel at least. However I thought if you sue for libel it has to be because you’ve suffered some form of economic damage from it – in this case they haven’t. Go to the police and the council and get them to fix it.

I'm not a legal person but I don't think the police get involved with libel. It's a civil law matter rather than criminal law.

Do the Joneses own their property, or is it private let/social housing?

In this case I think I would be tempted to put the truth up on social media.

Jones own.

They have tried rebutting the SM comments but it just makes the Jones do it more.

It isn't a quick process to get the council to act but they can and will. They do eventually seize equipment. The Jones should probably start this process now.

I suppose it depends what they've written on social media. How do the Jones even know?

Some neighbours are louder than others, louder than bombs, bigmouth strikes again! They don't sound like a charming man, heaven knows the Jones's must be miserable now. I'd be in a panic if there was a light that never goes out. What difference does it make?

4a they will struggle to prove "deliberately" made noise. If noise is over a certain level they might be able to get the council to give them something to record it, or they could keep a diary.

4b Mrs Smith needs to step away from social media. I very much suspect if the Jones's see she hasn't bothered checking it at all for the last month, they will stop. It can't "push her over the edge" if she doesn't see it.

In short, a mixture of ignore, and keep scrupulous records of noise. Then, if it looks excessive, contact council or police re harassment.

The council can't remove equipment if the noise is shouting and screaming (unfortunately)

I don't think there is much they can do.op.

It sucks, I hope the wankers get bored sooner rather than later.

Legally it may constitute harassment.

They should take screenshots - social media side of things could be harassment and police could support with that.

falsepriest at least there is no boy with a thorn in his side

Anti-social bullies like the Joneses need to be confronted, otherwise there will be no limits to their behaviour.

Do the Smiths have any persuasive friends?