Householder prosecuted for failing to remove rubbish from driveway

We have successfully prosecuted a resident for failing to keep their land free from waste.

On 29 January 2025, Jonathan Metcalf of The Flags, Hemel Hempstead, failed to attend court following a breach of a Community Protection Notice (CPN), issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

We visited the property on multiple occasions due to the waste on the driveway, which was having an impact on local residents and had the potential to attract vermin. Despite repeated attempts to engage with Metcalf, a Community Protection Notice was issued on 14 August 2024, setting out clear requirements, including:

• The removal of all waste items and accumulated detritus from the land
• Ensuring the land remained clear of waste and detritus.

Despite these conditions, Metcalf failed to comply with the Notice, leaving us no option but to take enforcement action to clear the land. Following a summons to court, Mr Metcalf did not attend the hearing or submit a plea, and magistrates proceeded with the case in his absence.

After reviewing the evidence, they found Metcalf guilty of all offences. The court was presented with additional aggravating factors, including a previous CPN breach, a Closure Order previously obtained by the Police, and a history of anti-social behaviour. It was noted that Metcalf had consistently disregarded warnings and legal notices.

As a result, the Court issued a Compensation Order of £2,799.84, with a 28-day collection order.

Councillor Robin Bromham, our Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Operations, said: “It is a great pity that Mr Metcalf did not comply with the Community Protection Notice and tidy the area before the Court decided to issue this Compensation Order. However, we will use the means available to keep our neighbourhoods clean and safe.”

To find out more about how to report anti-social behaviour and what we can do, visit our Anti-social behaviour page.