Adam Clemens wins noise pollution case for the Met Police

A man who mounted a private prosecution against Croydon police may have to pay more than £25,000 in costs after losing his case.

Conrad De Souza complained noise generated by food delivery vehicles deprived him and his family of sleep, infringing on his human rights, amounting to torture.

The Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts and police canteen manager Phill Minns were called to the dock at Croydon Magistrates court to answer Mr De Souza's summons.

The Friends Road resident claimed his three children and his wife were woken in the early hours of the morning by the bleeping of sirens from milk, bread and food delivery trucks and Veolia bin vans.

De Souza told the court: "The stress required me to have chiropractic treatment. It has caused me stress and sleep deprivation."

Judge Robert Hunter  told the court, that Croydon police had no direct or indirect control over the time the delivery vans arrived at the station and they had done what they could to accommodate Mr De Souza's complaints by trying to arrange deliveries after 7am.

There will be another hearing in due course to determine how the costs will be paid.

To view the full story on the Croyden Guardian please click here.