Early sound of Christmas music breaks peace of a silent night

So much for the season to be jolly.

Most people are careful about when to begin decking the halls, choosing to switch into holiday mode after the monthlong limbo period between jack-o'-lanterns and the Thanksgiving bird has passed.

But though Christmas music could be heard from outside his Shepton Terrace home, police say Kevin Foley wasn't looking to spread holiday cheer last weekend.

Near 4 a.m. on Nov. 8, police responded to complaints that the 54-year-old Foley had been cranking up yuletide carols and banging on his walls for more than an hour, the commotion disturbing the slumber of a neighbor and her 6-year-old son.

Officers could hear the music as they approached the apartment and met Foley, dressed in a white shirt with brown pants and shoes, according to court documents. Police, who asked him to turn down the noise, "observed that a strong odor of alcohol was emanating from his mouth," according to a police report.

After talking turkey with the officers, and once they were out of sight, Foley allegedly turned the tunes back up and got to work banging on the walls.

Another complaint was not far behind, and when police returned, they found Foley running up and down his stairs. Rather than follow in merry measure, police arrested him for disturbing the peace.

Foley, who could not be reached for comment, was released on his own recognizance and ordered not to contact his neighbor. He is due back in South Boston District Court on Dec. 19.

RICHARD THOMPSON