A woman from Ilfracombe has received a fine at court for breaches of a Community Protection Notice (CPN), following a successful prosecution by North Devon Council.

Jennifer Gardiner, of Foreland View, was found guilty in absence for failing to comply with a CPN served to her in December 2024 at a hearing at Barnstaple Magistrates' Court on 29 July 2025.

A CPN can be imposed on a person over the age of 16 where their conduct is unreasonable, consistent, and has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the community.

Gardiner's CPN requires her not to enter the private garden of a neighbouring property, not to use threatening language or behaviour towards any person, or cause any other noise disturbance within the neighbourhood.

The court heard that Gardiner breached her CPN on two occasions earlier this year. On 10 February she was abusive and threatening towards a contractor carrying out works in the area and threw a drink over them. On 22 February she was found to be in the garden of a neighbouring property removing hedging before being shouting and swearing at the occupant.

Gardiner was ordered to pay a total of £766, comprising a fine of £440, a surcharge of £176 and £150 in costs.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said: "Antisocial behaviour from a small minority can cause huge amounts of distress and disruption for neighbours and nearby residents, which is why we take any breach of a Community Protection Notice seriously.

"We will continue to use the powers available to us to protect our communities and ensure everyone is able to feel safe and respected where they live."

The council's Facebook page provides regular updates from its ASB team about the work it conducts in the community on a daily basis. All activity relating to the council's work to combat ASB can be found using #NDCsaysnotoASB.