Earlier this month, a 79-year-old neighbour from Hell – Kathleen Neal of Castle Donington of Leicestershire, was sentenced to twenty-eight days in prison as a result of her behaviour towards her neighbour and seven breaches of an injunction against her.
Susan Brookes moved into a property next door to Ms. Neal in 2002 and claims that since then Ms. Neal has trespassed on her property, chopped a tree down in her garden while she was on holiday, removed her fence panel, pushed over plant pots and poured urine and week killer onto her plants.
She also claims that Ms. Neal made a series of silent phone calls to her from a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. Ms. Brookes installed a CCTV camera at her property and kept evidence of Ms. Neal’s behaviour.
Unfortunately, we regularly see cases similar to this, involving disputes between neighbours which quickly escalate into antisocial behaviour.
In such cases, the police are often reluctant to become involved, as the behaviour – although unpleasant and often distressing – does not always involve criminality. However, what is often overlooked is the ability to bring a civil claim against the neighbour for Harassment, under the Equality Act 2010 or the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
In cases where the behaviour is more serious and persistent, it may also be possible to apply for an injunction against the neighbour. If an injunction is granted and the neighbour breaches that injunction, they would then be in contempt of court – which is a criminal offence.
If you would like advice or assistance with a similar matter, please contact our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team who will be happy to assist you.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you are in a similar position or require any other legal advice or guidance regarding a neighbour from hell – please contact our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team on 0113 200 9720. Get in touch today for a FREE initial consultation, or contact us online here to discuss how we can help you.
