A couple that made their neighbours’ lives a misery have been banned from going into their own home.

Casey Brikkels, 25, and Robert Winter, 29, were branded “neighbours from hell”

by police after claims they subjected fellow residents to months of late-night parties and repeated antisocial behaviour.

The pair, who are also accused by police of threatening neighbours with their bull terrier dogs, often kept stereos blaring in their ground-floor flat until 5am.

Now, in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in Sussex, they have been told to leave their home for three months or face a fine of up to £5,000.

Police said a string of incidents led to them taking action with Arun District Council to deal with the problem.

Officers were called to the property onnumerous occasions. They say they found drugs there, including cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis.

Winter was fined £100 by Worthing magistrates last month for possession of cannabis.

Police said there was a stabbing late last year by a guest at a party at the flat when another guest was cut on the leg by a penknife. The victim did not press charges.

After failed efforts by Arun District Council and police to end the antisocial behaviour, the property, at Wick Farm Road, Littlehampton, was made the subject of a closure order.

The notice was granted at Worthing Law Courts on March 29, following an application by Littlehampton Police and Arun’s antisocial behaviour team. It meant no one other than the owner or habitual residents could enter the property.

Copies of the order were posted on the property by police and the case then went to Worthing magistrates on Tuesday.

But the couple failed to show at court to oppose the order and had already cleared the property of their possessions.

They are now unable to return to the council flat, which has been locked and boarded up, for three months. If they try to get in, they could face up to 51 weeks in jail and a hefty fine.

The eviction is believed to be the first case of its kind in Sussex under changes to the Antisocial Behaviour Act introduced on December 1.

It means council tenants, private tenants and householders with mortgages can be banned from properties if found guilty of persistent and significant antisocial behaviour, not only for Class A drugs offences as was previously the case.

Sergeant Peter Allan, of Littlehampton Police, said: “We simply cannot have innocent members of the public in pain and distress due to the mindless actions of a small group.

“We have worked closely and successfully with our partners at the council to find a solution to this issue. I would like to thank everyone involved.

“Being aware of the level of abuse that this community has been subjected to in the months leading up to this order, it is fair to say that it has had to live with the neighbours from hell.”

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “It is our duty to protect the community and provide them with the feeling of safety they deserve, which is why this action was taken.”