TWO men have admitted visiting a Poole flat closed by magistrates after residents suffered "years" of anti-social behaviour.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Borough of Poole officials went to the courts to shut the property in Avenel Way in January. A closure order was implemented after magistrates heard reports of large gatherings at the block. Visitors would "shout and swear" at residents and bang on doors in the early hours of the morning.

As part of the order, flat resident Peter Hewitt, 32, was allowed to return home - but all other visitors were banned.

On April 23, counsel for the borough secured a three-month extension to the closure order, under which Hewitt himself would also be barred.

Two men from Poole have now admitted breaching the order and visiting the flat.

Scott Stranack, 33 and of Wareham Road in Organford, and Ryan Thornley, 22 and of Croft Road, appeared before magistrates on May 8 to plead guilty to remaining on or enter premises in contravention of a closure notice. The two went to the address on April 3.

Stranack also admitted commission of a further offence during the operational period of a suspended sentence made on June 30 2016 for three charges of breaching a restraining order and one of attempting to breach such an order.

He will appear at Bournemouth Crown Court to be sentenced on June 8.

Thornley was sentenced to a six-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay a £20 surcharge and £85 costs.

Previously, magistrates heard neighbours "feel intimidated" both by Hewitt and his visitors.

CCTV footage of a number of people gathering outside Hewitt's flat and entering the property in contravention of the ban was also shown.

The court heard Hewitt is "unwilling or unable to control his visitors".

The flats in Avenel Way are home to older people and young families.

As reported in the Daily Echo, neighbours said they had faced a "nightmare" for "years and years".