Criminal record for country and western music Asbo man

Michael O’Rourke has now moved house in Peterhead

A country and western music fan has vowed to keep listening to his favourite songs, despite admitting breaching anti-social behaviour laws.

Partially-deaf Michael O’Rourke, 51, of Peterhead, admitted breaching an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) after complaints from neighbours.

Sentence was deferred after a sheriff’s warning that he risked becoming “the oldest raver in town”.

O’Rourke, who has moved house, said he liked Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.

He received the Asbo last year after neighbours at his old address complained about his music volume through much of the day.

At a Peterhead Sheriff Court hearing, Sheriff Edward Savage deferred sentence on O’Rourke for three months for good behaviour.

He had previously admitted breaching the order.

O’Rourke said after the case: “I’ve been buying vinyl since I was a young lad, my first LP only cost me 60p.

Dolly Parton is among Michael O’Rourke’s favourite artists

“My neighbours were just being vindictive.

“If you’re joined onto another house you’ve got to expect a bit of noise.”

He explained: “I play my music every day. Who doesn’t like music? I like country and western, 60s music, Scottish music.

“I also like some of the up-to-date stuff.

“Why should I stop listening to my favourite music just because of a few vindictive folk? I’ll never stop playing my vinyl.”

One former neighbour said: “I wasn’t sorry to see him go. He wasn’t the best of neighbours.”