Nuisance brothers banned from estate

Two brothers have been banned from a Black Country estate where they frightened neighbours for two years.

Michael and Carl Cockbill, aged 39 and 38, were heard shouting foul and abusive language and fighting in a West Bromwich street.

Walsall County Court heard the brothers behaved so noisily in their parents' home in Essex Avenue, that residents said they could even hear the pair shouting while in their own homes

There were also reports of the men fighting in the street outside and swearing at other neighbours.

The pair were given injunction orders lasting two years, and both were also ordered to pay £717 in court costs.

Michael Cockbill, of Bromford Lane, West Bromwich, and Carl Cockbill, who was living in Essex Avenue, did not attend the hearing.

Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell's neighbourhoods chief, said: "Many of the residents are elderly and have been suffering for some time and were scared and intimidated.

"They also reported not having their grandchildren to visit or enjoying their gardens in the summer, due to the problems.

"This is a good result for the council's anti-social behaviour team and police, with the court's decision giving residents much-needed respite from these brothers.

"I would also praise the local neighbourhood watch group for their support and those residents who gave evidence in court."

The order bans the brothers from entering an area bordered by Heath Lane, Vicarage Road, Church Lane, Sussex Avenue and Kesteven Road. Both were banned from causing a nuisance in the Essex Avenue neighbourhood and assaulting or harassing victims with their anti-social behaviour.

If they breach the injunction order, the brothers will face up to two years in prison and a possible fine for being in contempt of court.

Resident Denise Hesson said: "This is a huge relief to the community. The atmosphere here was very tense before and now we feel we can walk up and down the street without worrying about being hassled."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, added: "We had suffered their loutish behaviour for far too many years so this result was very good and welcomed."