Elderly siblings' new court order

Thomas and Mary Smith must adhere to the court order until 2010

Two elderly siblings prosecuted for playing loud music and banging on their neighbour's wall have been ordered to serve a second court injunction.

Thomas Smith, 76, and Mary, 83, of Brow Road, Bidston, breached an anti-social behaviour injunction twice in 12 months, Birkenhead County Court heard.

Action was first taken against the pair in 2003 for allegations of playing loud music, throwing eggs and glass bottles.

The order was broken when they played loud music as new neighbours moved in.

This latest breach, on 27 October, came the day the pair's first injunction expired.

It also coincided with the end of Mr Smith's 12-month suspended prison sentence for earlier anti-social behaviour to previous neighbours, which included banging on walls, throwing eggs and rubbish in their garden.

The Smiths' behaviour was entirely unacceptable Brian Simpson, chief executive of Wirral Partnership Homes

Deputy Judge Culleton ordered the pensioners to serve the two-year injunction to limit their bad behaviour. It bans them from entering their neighbour's home, garden or throwing or depositing anything on the property.

The Smiths' were also banned from using, threatening to use or using violence towards anyone at the neighbour's home.

Caroline Laing, manager of Wirral's anti social-behaviour team, said: "Being elderly did not stop action being taken against these individuals.

"Their behaviour has caused considerable distress, frustration and worry to both their current and previous neighbours."

The injunction will be in place until 30 October 2010.

The court heard despite agreeing not to engage in anti-social behaviour, there were 15 alleged incidents of playing loud music and banging from March to July 2007.

A council spokesman said on numerous occasions police officers, environmental health officers and the council's anti-social behaviour officers visited the Smiths' house after complaints about their actions.