ASBO bans pirate radio operator from every rooftop in London

A man has been banned from every roof top in London after pleading guilty to installing illegal pirate radio equipment on a tower block in Camden.

Working with Camden Council and the police, Ofcom successfully prosecuted Kieran O’Sullivan who received an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO).

O’Sullivan also received a suspended 18 week custodial sentence, a three month curfew, a £1,200 fine and had his radio equipment seized.

This followed complaints from residents about pirate radio equipment being fixed to roof tops on the Chalcots estate in Belsize.

Ofcom works closely with local councils to keep the airwaves free from harmful interference to the emergency services and commercial radio stations. Those involved in pirate radio also cause a nuisance to residents and damage to council property.

Ofcom’s Head of Investigation, Paul Mercer said: “Ofcom takes firm action against pirate stations. They are a menace to residents and can cause serious interference to radio systems used by the emergency services. Ofcom works with councils and the police to ensure that people are protected from damage caused by this illegal activity.”
 
Councillor James King, Executive Member, Community Safety, Camden Council, said: “This prosecution is an excellent example of agencies working together to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the borough. Residents deserve to live peaceful lives, and the disruptive and illegal actions of pirate radio operators using people’s homes to set up equipment will not be tolerated.”

Chief Inspector Louis Smith, from Camden Police, said: “Safer Neighbourhoods policing is about community engagement and problem solving. The community made it clear they wanted this dealing with and the Belsize Safer Neighbourhood team worked with other agencies to solve the problem. Seizing equipment is a short term fix.

"Banning this man from roof tops gives a long term means of controlling his antisocial behaviour. PC Daniel Boyd in particular worked innovatively with Ofcom and lessons learned here will help others deal with pirate radio elsewhere in the UK.”

Ofcom and the police will continue to monitor the situation. Residents are urged to look out for signs of pirate radio related activity, for example people entering and leaving blocks in the evenings, with electrical equipment, or with scaffolding poles. Anyone with any suspicions should dial 999 and inform their local housing office.