Pianist on trial for noise pollution and psychological damage

12 November 2013, 14:59 | Updated: 2 October 2014, 17:02

A Spanish concert pianist is currently on trial after her neighbour accused her practicing regime of causing noise pollution and psychological damage.

The pianist, Laia Martin, is now a professional concert performer, but the plaintiff has claimed that the eight-hour piano practice sessions caused noise pollution in the period they lived next door to one another, from 2003-2007. If convicted, she could face up to seven years in prison.

She also claimed that the noise interrupted her sleep, causing her to suffer from nervousness and panic attacks as a result. Known only as Sonia B, the plaintiff also stated that she had come to hate the piano as an instrument and had since moved out of her house.

Martin said that she didn't practice to the extent the plaintiff stated, and that she had her piano lessons away from home.

The trial in Spain is ongoing, and expected to last until November 15th.