A noisy neighbour who caused 18 months of misery with blaring music has been ordered to keep it down.

Paul Goodman, 54, blasted out music at all hours of the day from his flat in Harefield Avenue, Worthing.

He added to the racket by shouting and swearing at the top of his voice.

Neighbours in the housing association-owned block called in the council when he refused to keep the noise down.

Magistrates in Worthing heard how environmental health officers were called twice on Christmas Day last year . The court heard tapes of the noise.

Goodman was found guilty of ten breaches of a noise abatement notice.

He was given a conditional discharge but warned he faced tough action if he was brought before the courts again.

He was ordered to pay the council's £250 costs.

Council case officer Steve Dommett said: "We believe there will be a change in his behaviour. If he appears before the court again he can expect a stiff penalty."

Councillor Richard Bell, executive member for environmental services, said: "We always aim to resolve noise nuisance issues as quickly as possible.

"However, when a person persists in causing nuisance to neighbours it must be understood that the council has a duty to act and we will do so."