Ilfracombe woman fined over antisocial behaviour towards neighbour and contractor

A woman from Ilfracombe has been fined by Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court for breaching a Community Protection Notice (CPN) served by North Devon Council.

Jennifer Gardiner, of Foreland View, was found guilty in her absence at a hearing on 29 July 2025 for failing to comply with the terms of the CPN issued in December 2024.

The notice, aimed at preventing antisocial behaviour, prohibited Gardiner from entering a neighbour’s private garden, using threatening language or behaviour towards others, and causing noise disturbances in the area.

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Court documents revealed that Gardiner breached the CPN on two occasions earlier this year. 

On 10 February, she reportedly used abusive and threatening language towards a contractor working nearby and threw a drink over them. 

Then, on 22 February, she was found in a neighbour’s garden removing hedging and shouting profanities at the occupant.

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

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, emphasised the council’s commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour, saying: “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.”