Spanish pianist facing jail time after neighbor alleges noise pollution

(UPI) -- Practice apparently does not make perfect in the case of a Spanish pianist facing more than seven years in a jail after being accused by a neighbor of noise pollution and inflicting psychological damage.

According to the plaintiff, identified only as Sonia B., her downstairs neighbor Laia Martin practiced eight hours a day, five days a week from 2003 to 2007 while she was studying music in college.

Martin, 27, is now a professional concert pianist. She rejects the notion that she practiced at home that often, saying she took lessons in other towns away from home.

According to Sonia B, Martin’s practicing caused "psychic injury consisting of an adjustment disorder with anxiety symptoms to environmental stress reactive ear type." She also said she experienced symptoms including sleep disturbance, nervousness, anxiety, panic attacks and pregnancy problems.

Martin’s parents, Luis and Elizabeth, are also looking at jail time for allowing the situation to occur. In addition to prison, the prosecution is requesting that Martin be disqualified from practicing any profession that has to do with the piano for four years and a hefty fine.

During the trial on Monday, Sonia B told the court that she now hates pianos, and that Martin’s noise contamination forced her to move. The trial will continue on Tuesday and is set to end by Friday.