Neighbour's noise `provoked' shots
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man who fired an air rifle at the home of a noisy neighbour was fined and given a suspended jail sentence at the Old Bailey yesterday.
William Vonck, 40, of Clapham, south London, who runs a property firm, "snapped" because of the loud music constantly played by Simon Batt, 32, who lived on the ninth floor of a tower block. Vonck fired at least eight pellets at Mr Batt's home, and allegedly cracked a window pane, the court was told.
Judge Michael Stuart-Moore said: "Your patience snapped because of the loud music. Mr Batt was a self-centred, inconsiderate neighbour of the very worst kind ... I accept you were very heavily provoked." He added that Vonck was "very lucky" to avoid prison.
Police found an air rifle with telescopic lenses and an antique shotgun, for which Vonck had held an expired licence.
Vonck was fined pounds 4,500, plus pounds 500 costs and given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments