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Pianist faces 7 years jail for ‘excessive practising’

PUIGCERDA (Spain) — A professional pianist in Spain and her parents are facing a seven-and-a-half year jail sentence for acoustic contamination and causing “psychological damage” to those living near her, a former neighbour claimed yesterday (Nov 11).

Laia Martin, a Spanish pianist, plays the piano on Dec 26, 2011. Photo: Telegraph

Laia Martin, a Spanish pianist, plays the piano on Dec 26, 2011. Photo: Telegraph

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PUIGCERDA (Spain) — A professional pianist in Spain and her parents are facing a seven-and-a-half year jail sentence for acoustic contamination and causing “psychological damage” to those living near her, a former neighbour claimed yesterday (Nov 11).

Prosecutors are also seeking to have the pianist banned from any profession involving a piano for four years, on top of a fine of €10,800 (S$18,100) and damages of €9,900.

The plaintiff, named only as Sonia B in the report carried in Spanish newspaper El Pais, sued Laia Martin for the stress she endured as the musician’s neighbour from 2003 to 2007 in Puigcerda, Girona. The trial is expected to conclude this week.

Medical records show that Sonia B suffered hearing damage, panic attacks and pregnancy problems due to the “environmental auditory stress” suffered during that period. Sonia B and her family eventually moved to another town in 2007.

Defence lawyers have asked that the case be thrown out and described the complaint as “completely disproportionate”.

Laia Martin has also refuted the charges, saying that she was studying outside of Puigcerda at the time, and that she also tried to soundproof her room.

The pianist’s parents are also facing the same sentence as accessories to the fact. Sonia B has claimed that Laia Martin’s mother once entered her apartment and agreed that the sound of the piano was louder there than back in her own home, and that the pianist once tried to hit her but was restrained by the father.

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