
Dad slams ‘Karen' who reported him to council for hosting casino party for son's birthday – despite it finishing by 7pm
A DAD was reported to the council as a "neighbour from hell" for hosting a "casino night" for his teen son's birthday - despite it being finished by 7pm.
Jamie Obrien set up a roulette wheel, fake money and a speaker system so his son Cain could celebrate his birthday with 11 friends at their home late last month.
5
5
The 58-year-old says he played music from a speaker outside the family's back door from 4.30-6pm at a "loud but reasonable" volume.
But last Tuesday, an environmental health worker from Fareham Borough Council, Hampshire, called to explain that a neighbour had complained about the noise.
Jamie took to his Facebook community group later that morning to brand the mystery complainant a "Karen" before calling for them to "grow some balls" and "get a life".
The full-time carer says there are more than 40 flats or semi-detached homes in his close and the neighbouring street, which includes many "elderly" residents.
He insists the "whirlwind little party" was finished by 7pm and that it was "pathetic" to call the council instead of explaining their annoyance in person.
However Facebook users had split opinions, with some calling the neighbour "sour" and "pathetic" and others calling Jamie a "neighbour from hell" who should stop believing he's "always right".
The dad-of-three is sharing the story to discourage people from sending what he deems "pathetic" noise complaints as families enjoy the summer sun.
Jamie, from Fareham, Hampshire, said: "It was quite a whirlwind little party. It was casino-themed and I was the head of the roulette wheel with fake money and card games.
"I brought the speaker system down from Cain's bedroom, put it in the utility room that backs onto the back garden and put one of the speakers just outside the back door.
"I put the tunes on from 4.30pm and it was loud but it wasn't full blast - it could have gone a lot louder. I thought it was loud but reasonable.
"I'm an old-school raver from back in the day. I put one of my rave CDs but within 20 minutes they'd switched to teenager music, which is all grime and drum and bass.
"Within an hour the volume of that went right down because they were congregating in groups and having chats more than anything. By 6pm the music had been turned off.
"We've lived here for five years now and it's the first time the stereo has been an issue. We had a disco dome in the garden with music pumping from it last year.
"If I had a problem with something the only way to address it is head-on and be civil.
"It would have looked pathetic but it's even more pathetic that he's had to bring it up [with the council].
"It's annoying but deep down it makes me laugh because I see it as a form of jealousy.
"God forbid anyone enjoy themselves and have a good time."
Jamie, lives with wife Tammy Obrien, 39, and their three children Cain, Mia, 20, and Kurt, 11.
He claims the council worker sided with him on the call and insists people should explain what the issue is if they make a complaint.
Jamie said: "I took the call from environmental health and they said the noise complaint had been raised over the volume of our music.
"I explained we had the party from 4-7 and it was probably on for an hour tops and she told me 'that's absolutely fine. Even I have a party once in a while. Everyone's entitled to have a party'.
Woman locked in bitter neighbour war over pet PIG who lives in garden, eats Sunday roasts & loudly SNORES all day long
A COUPLE are locked in a bitter row over their "smelly
Michelle and Carl Repper were shocked to receive a complaint from their neighbour over the noise and odour of their six-year-old Juliana pot-bellied pig.
The couple adopted Jack six years ago after their friends mistook him for a micro pig, and have raised the boar in their garden ever since.
Michelle, 44, says everyone in the neighbourhood loves little Jack and was shocked when one neighbour allegedly shouted through the fence to say the pig was "disgusting".
Another local said Jack is making their life in the area "unbearable".
The mum-of-three also received a letter from South Holland District Council outlining an odour and nuisance complaint over their much-loved piggy.
But Michelle claims Jack is the "cleanest animal" and sleeps quietly for up to six hours a day in the garden - and says all he does is "snore".
Michelle, a teaching assistant, said the family would be "devastated" if they were forced to rehome Jack, insisting that they would "put up a fight" if the complaint escalated.
The council confirmed they had visited the pig twice and observed no issues however said the owner had "taken steps to reduce the noise levels".
"I asked her to tell whoever it is to grow a pair and knock on my door the next time, but she said she can't put it like that.
"She said she'd make them aware it was a birthday party and there's no foundation for the complaint.
"If you've got a baby that's trying to sleep or you've worked a night shift, be logical, explain yourself and then we can all get on.
"I'd apologise if I offended anybody because my music was that bad or that loud but it genuinely wasn't and that's why they haven't knocked on the door. It's just a problem neighbour.
"Our house is on an elderly residential plot. There's 44 flats and our house in the close but we've got a really good rapport with all the elderly residents."
Jamie says he's not been put off hosting a party at the house in future and would hire a venue if he planned it to run late into the night.
His post said: "On Saturday April 26 I had a birthday party for my son and he had a small group of friends attend our home,
"Today I received a phone call from environmental health after a noise complaint was made about the music!
"Firstly the party was from 4-7pm and as for the music it was probably fairly loud for about an hour tops!
"I would just like to reach out to Karen and advise them to grow a pair and come knock my door in future or just to basically get a life of their own instead of hiding behind phones and computers!
"This was the first noise complaint in five years of living here as we never really have parties."
One commented: "I hope your son had the best party ever. Too many sour people these days!"
A second said: "Some people need to get a life. What a pathetic thing to do. Music loud at 7pm wow."
A third said: "What sound in the whole world could possibly be more wonderful than children enjoying themselves to music?
"Shame on the miserable soul who couldn't appreciate that sound."
However one said: "Quite simple. Turn it down and stop being the 'I'm always right' neighbour from hell."
Another said: "Isn't it ironic that you are complaining about Karen not knocking on the door and hiding behind phones and computers and then instead of knocking on their door you put up this post."
Jamie replied: "Haha you're funny but not in a funny way. 'Neighbour from hell' please, maybe 20 years ago I would have been."
Fareham Borough Council said environmental health officers assess noise by taking into account a range of factors such as frequency, time of day/night, background noise levels and volume so it is unlikely they would take any action for one-off parties.
5
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Moment Bridgerton actress has her phone robbed by prolific Algerian thief in Joe & the Juice - before star heroically fights back in front of stunned customers
This is the moment a Bridgerton actress had her phone robbed by a prolific Algerian thief in Joe & the Juice - before the star heroically fought back in front of stunned customers. MailOnline can reveal for the first time CCTV of Genevieve Chenneour, 27, bravely defending herself after Zacariah Boulares, 18, snuck up behind her and grabbed her phone in the upmarket coffee shop on Kensington High Street, west London, on February 8. Around 18 months earlier, Boulares had threatened to behead Aled Jones with a machete as he stole his £17,000 Rolex in Chiswick, west London. The thief, then 16, was locked up for his attack on the Welsh chorister in October 2023 but was released from youth detention early after serving just 14 months of his 24-month sentence. Boulares, who can now be named and pictured after turning 18, has gone on to commit a spate of crimes, including robbing rising star Ms Chenneour, who plays rumour-monger Clara Livingston in hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton. The thug's extensive criminal history - 12 previous convictions relating to 28 offences - was laid bare after he pleaded guilty on May 29 to stealing Ms Chenneour's phone and assaulting another customer, Carlo Kurcishi. In exclusive footage obtained by MailOnline, the actress can be seen courageously fighting back against the hooded thief who targeted her while she was out with a friend on a dog walk. Speaking of the moment she fought off the teenage thug, Ms Chenneour previously told the Mail: 'They didn't expect me to stand up for myself – but I did.' CCTV footage shows brave the moment Bridgerton actress, Genevieve Chenneour fought back against the thug In the CCTV, Boulares can be seen prowling around the back of the café, waiting for Ms Chenneour's friend to leave her alone at the table when he ordered before he pounces. The hooded thief, wearing all black with a navy cap, then swipes the phone while Ms Chenneour has her back turned, but she quickly leaps into action and takes down the thief with the help of her friend. The fearless Yorkshire-born actress puts her arm out to block the thief from leaving and dislodges the phone from his hand. Retrieving the iPhone from off the floor, she then uses the device to strike Boulares who is left helpless on the floor. The commotion continued as shocked onlookers began to form a crowd in the popular café in Kensington. The tussle can then be seen spilling into the back of the café, where Ms Chenneour, her friend and Boulares can only be seen in CCTV in glimpses via a mirror. After around four minutes of scuffling, the humbled crook then points his finger in the face of Ms Chenneour's friend before walking out of the café without the phone. The actress previously revealed: 'I was left with a concussion just before the Screen Actors Guild Awards and since then, I've felt constantly on edge. 'Even my dog was traumatised - now, if anyone touches me, he panics and tries to protect me. 'Getting a coffee shouldn't be something you need your wits about you for. She courageously stood up to the thief, hitting him with the phone as he tussled with a man on the floor during the ordeal 'I'm so grateful to the staff at Joe & The Juice – they were incredible during the incident and when I went back to see them after.' Boulares appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 29, where he pleaded guilty to stealing the phone and assaulting Mr Kurcishi. To the charge of stealing a mobile phone of a value unknown belonging to the Bridgerton actress, he shouted: 'Guilty'. He also admitted stealing a black leather hand bag from a diner at a pizza restaurant in London's West End on 30 January this year. The defendant has been remanded into custody with sentencing scheduled for June 17 at Isleworth Crown Court in west London. More than 70,000 phones were snatched in London in 2024, out of an estimated 100,000 thefts across the UK. Ms Chenneour is a former athlete who joined Team GB's artistic swimming team at the age of 15. She was awarded an Olympic scholarship before the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, but her sporting career was cut short by injury and she retrained as an actress. After appearing as a stunt double in the underwater sequences of period feature Gateway To The West, she landed her breakthrough role in the Regency drama. A source was previously quoted as saying: 'Genevieve showed real bravery throughout. It was a very shocking incident. 'It shows what is happening on London's streets on a daily basis. 'This was just another young woman going about her daily business. She's handled it brilliantly.' Genevieve Chenneour, pictured here at the premiere of Netflix's The Gentlemen at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane in March last year, had her phone stolen in February this year Boulares went on to rob Ms Chenneour after being released from youth detention for the attack on chorister Mr Jones on July 7 2023. The Algerian national threatened Mr Jones with a 20-inch blade, demanding the 'f***king Rolex' on the singer's arm, while threatening to cut his limb off. Boulares could not be named at the time due to his age. After the terrified baritone gave the menacing youth his Dayton, Boulares later said he would 'cut [Jones's] head off' if the Songs of Praise star continued to follow him. The now 18-year-old appeared late to magistrates court late several times before he eventually pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at Wimbledon Youth Court. It was also heard the youngster had also stolen a £20,000 gold Rolex from a pensioner. His record was dubbed 'appalling' by Chairman of the bench Rex Da Roach. A Detention and Training Order (DTO) can be handed to teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17, where they serve half of their time in custody and are later supervised, by a Youth Offending Team. However after only 14 months the Algerian national was freed, and later went on to commit a spate of crimes, including at Joe & the Juice. A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Police were called to a restaurant on Kensington High Street on Saturday, 8 February following reports of a theft and an assault. 'CCTV showed the suspect stealing a phone from the table and then assaulting a separate member of the public who confronted him. 'The victim of the assault was kicked and punched before the suspect left the premises. 'CCTV enquiries identified Zacariah Boulares as the suspect and he was arrested.


Daily Mail
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Huw Edwards slashes price of his £4.75million family home AGAIN and his 'divorce has been delayed'
Disgraced ex- BBC presenter Huw Edwards has reportedly been forced to delay his divorce and cannot find a buyer for his £4.75million mansion. The six-bedroom detached property in Dulwich, south London, was put on the market last October after wife Vicky Flind filed for divorce from the former TV front man. The twisted newsreader and his wife first bought the sprawling home for £1.85million in 2006, 13 years after they tied the knot. But after he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children last July, it was reported that Ms Flind, who is the mother of Edwards' five children, split from her husband and kicked him out of the home. It is understood the mortgage on the property has been fully paid off, meaning a sale will give him a bumper pay-day of around £2million now he is without his £475,000 salary. However, the sale appears to proving more difficult than first expected due to fears the home has been blighted by Edwards' reputation, according to The Sun. There is such little interest in the house that prospective buyers are being told by property website Zoopla that they would be 'one of the first' to view the 'hidden gem', nine months after it was first listed for sale. And they have even slashed the asking price by a whopping £750,000. The six-bedroom detached property in Dulwich, south London, was put on the market last October after Edwards' wife filed for divorce Estate agents in February were willing to accept £4.5million for the property, but dwindling interest has seen this cut to £4million. In an attempt to drum up interest in the south London home, they described it as being situated 'on one of Dulwich's most desirable residential roads'. They say the house, which is kitted out with three bathrooms and three reception rooms across its 4200 sq ft, is 'a substantial detached mid-century family house' with 'exceptionally spacious living accommodation'. An extract from the listing reads: 'The ground floor has a spacious reception hall, three reception rooms, recently re-fitted kitchen/dining room, office/library, cloakroom, utility room and downstairs WC. 'On the first floor there are four double bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom and separate dressing room and a family bathroom. 'The second floor has two double bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally to the rear there is a most delightful, mature garden.' The Sun also reported that no decree absolute had been provided to end Edwards' 32-year marriage to Ms Find as of June 5. They say it is unclear whether problems with the sale were a factor in the divorce, which was expected to have been finalised earlier this year.


Daily Mail
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Pitbull makes epic return to London's O2 with two more energetic shows alongside his scantily-clad dancers - as fans continue tradition of dressing up as him for the concerts
Pitbull made an epic return to London's O2 Arena with two more energetic shows alongside his scantily-clad dancers on Monday and Tuesday night this week. The star, 44, real name Armando Christian Pérez, finally returned to the UK this February with a London show and after huge demand for the concert was back on British soil this week for more gigs. And as is tradition at Pitbull concerts - those attending showed their dedication to the star by dressing up as him - in white shirts, black suits, bald caps and dark shades. The Florida-born star is known for the suave look and many recreated it as they headed to the O2, with the party beginning outside the venue as groups congregated to dance and sing to his hits. Pitbull - also known as Mr 305 and Mr Worldwide - played a series of iconic hits during the show - opening with an energetic performance of Don't Stop the Party before moving on to play Fireball, Timber and Gasolina. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The star, 44, real name Armando Christian Pérez, finally returned to the UK this February with a London show and after huge demand for the concert was back on British soil this week for more gigs He also performed a rendition of his newest collaboration with Bon Jovi - Now Or Never. The hour and a half show was packed full of his catchy hits as his racy dancers took to the stage with him. Videos taken at the concert and shared on TikTok showed the hundreds of fans who showed up to the gig in Pitbull attire and commuting to the North Greenwich in the outfits. After Monday's show he posted on his Instagram saying: 'Thank you London very much for an unforgettable first show… now get ready for show #2 bc the party ain't stopping dallleeee!' Pitbull has sold over 25 million studio albums and over 100 million singles worldwide. He was also ranked by Billboard as the 45th Top Artist of the 2010s and the 24th Top Latin Artist of the 2010s. He is also known for his activism and philanthropy. He helped start a Tuition-Free Public charter for middle and high school called Sports Leadership and Management (SLAM!), which opened in 2013 in Miami's Little Havana, the neighbourhood where he grew up. The hour and a half show was packed full of his catchy hits as his racy dancers took to the stage with him And as is tradition at Pitbull concerts - those attending showed their dedication to the star by dressing up as him - in white shirts, black suits, bald caps and dark shades SLAM! now operates nationwide, including in Miami, Las Vegas and Atlanta, with a 96 percent graduation rate. Pitbull spoke about the project at his London show in February sharing his pride at the impact it has had after having a tough time in early education himself. At the February show Radio 1 DJ Greg James was among the audience. He joined in on the fun, wearing a bald cap and shared a hilarious video dancing at the show. He penned in the caption: 'I actually can't believe how great this show was and I'm still absolutely buzzing. 'Proudly in the 60% of the crowd wearing bald caps having the best night of our lives. Long live Mr Worldwide! ¡DALE!' Speaking to the fans who were busy enjoying his catchy tunes, Pitbull said: 'Now I wanna say a special thank you to everybody who came out with bald caps here tonight. 'It's amazing to see, and it's amazing to feel. And I hope when you put on those bald caps you feel just like I do. 'Having a good motherf***ing time every day of my life!!!'