"Nightmare neighbour" jailed for six months

Tuesday 18 August 2020

A “nightmare neighbour”, who police had to visit more than 100 times over extreme noise complaints, has been jailed for six months.

Maria Ivone Vieira (41) was sentenced in the Magistrate’s Court on Monday. She was also warned that she risked deportation if she offended again.

Vieira faced a specific public nuisance charge of playing loud music, but her offending covered a 21-month period while living in six-house close, Dunell Place, St Helier.

During this time, police officers had to make more than 100 visits - 32 alone after calls from one neighbour, whose diary of suffering formed the basis of the prosecution case.

Outlining the facts, legal adviser Paul Lee recalled this neighbour’s “nightmare”.

Pictured: The police were called out more than 100 times to the property.

“She said that when Vieira moved in, the close became a hostile and unpleasant place to live. There was constant arguing and yelling at the property - noise that would make her blood run cold. There were screams and thuds, and a complete disregard for others.

“The neighbour knew that Vieira was in a permanent state of intoxication, and her behaviour was severely affecting the neighbour’s health. There would be noise from 23:00 to 05:00, then it would start again at 06:00, with Vieira screaming for her partner to leave her money for alcohol and cigarettes.”

A diary entry read: “Shouting and banging, female angry and intoxicated. Another loud domestic argument. Trying to kill each other, as per usual. Waking up screaming and shouting, doors banging.”

Another read: “Excessive parties, strange men visiting, banging on the door. Left me feeling helpless. A complete disregard for the law. I had just three-and-a-half hours' sleep. Low energy levels and poor focus at work. I find myself bursting into tears through tiredness and dread returning home.”

The neighbour added the covid lockdown had been “mayhem” and “living hell”.

Pictured: Vieira appeared in the Magistrate's Court for sentencing yesterday.

Mr Lee also described how Vieira had breached her bail orders twice since her arrest in June, which had led to her spending the six weeks in custody. She also had 17 previous convictions for 39 offences. 

Defending, Advocate Lucy Marks said that her client’s case was complex, which combined a traumatic past, difficult relationship and alcoholism. 

“She did not appreciate the distress she was causing her neighbours and is deeply remorseful,” she said. 

“Since being in custody, HMP La Moye has been good for her self-confidence and this shift in attitude is encouraging. She is teetering on the edge of significant change and wishes to remain abstinent.”

Advocate Marks called for a treatment order but the Magistrate, Bridget Shaw, disagreed, instead giving Vieira a six-month prison sentence.

Pictured: Advocate Lucy Marks, who defended Vieira.

“I hope you use that time constructively and that a longer period of detoxification in prison makes you stronger upon release,” she said.

The Magistrate added that, despite Vieira living in Jersey for 23 years, the court would have to take the option of deportation seriously if she reoffended.