A VICTIM of antisocial behaviour who took photos of youths to try to catch them in the act has accused the council of siding against him.

Brother Michael Day, a hermit monk, says he just wants to live in peace at his Marlow home but is constantly being plagued by antisocial behaviour including swearing, and vandalism to his house.

He says one incident even saw youths fire a BB gun through his front door.

Brother Michael decided to take matters into his own hands and took photos of yobs in the act. But Wycombe District Council warned that his behaviour could constitute "a breach" of his tenancy conditions, because he was taking photos of people without their consent.

The council has since written to him again, saying it will not be taking complaints further because they were not confirmed or pursued.

But Brother Michael, of Berwick Road, admits to taking the photos and says he will do so again if it means protecting his council property and his way of life.

He said: "I will take photos as I like. I will not stop as long as I am sure they are lawful.

"I want evidence if anything gets broken because I live on my own and there are no witnesses.

"They the youths want me to stop taking photos so they can continue doing this and make out I am in the wrong."

Marlow police said they did investigate complaints against Brother Michael for taking photos but found his intentions entirely innocent.

Acting Inspector John Hillier said: "He was taking photos to demonstrate the antisocial behaviour taking place towards him."

Act/Insp Hillier said he believed the situation had been defused but that police would intervene to stop antisocial behaviour if it happened again.

But Brother Michael says he is disappointed with the council's response because it had liaised with police over the affair, and would have known he was the victim.

The council confirmed it did liaise with police but warned Brother Michael that any future complaints could lead to further action.

A spokesman said: "This type of letter would have been issued to any tenant in this position so that they were informed of any possible action.

"The letter did state that we would be working with all parties to resolve this situation."

Residents concerned about antisocial behaviour should contact PC Stephen Jackson of Marlow Police on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111