A pensioner harassed his neighbour during a two year dispute after he accused her of spreading gossip about him having cancer. 

The simmering row saw Brian Stolworthy, 70, swear, abuse and make obscene gestures and pig noises towards the woman in order to intimidate her and her family.  

Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard his actions had left her feeling unsafe in her own home and fearing his actions might escalate further.

The dispute dates back shortly before the first Covid lockdown in March 2020 when gossip about his health had spread between neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac The Lea, off Cooper Road in North Walsham.

Stolworthy was made subject of a restraining order after admitting harassmentStolworthy was made subject of a restraining order after admitting harassment (Image: Newsquest)

He blamed her for telling people he had been diagnosed with cancer, despite there being no evidence to support the claim, said prosecutor Stuart Cowan.

After being arrested he had told police his actions had been driven by an “on-going hatred” of the woman.

From the dock during the court hearing the pensioner pointed at his neighbour sitting at the back of the courtroom and told magistrates: “That woman was talking about me behind my back telling people I had cancer. I hate her.”

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Stolworthy, who was representing himself, pleaded guilty to harassment designed to cause distress and fear. 

His behaviour had included going on to her property to leave video messages on her Ring doorbell and notes on the windscreen of a visiting relative’s car including “I hate you” and ”I’ll see you in court”.   

His neighbour in The Lea in North Walsham told the court she was felt feeling unsafe in her own home His neighbour in The Lea in North Walsham told the court she was felt feeling unsafe in her own home (Image: Google)

In a statement read in court his neighbour stated: “I am determined no-one is going to make me leave my home despite his actions.”

Magistrates ordered he pay fines and costs totalling £737 but declined compensation saying it “might aggravate the situation”. 

Imposing a three year restraining order they told him: “If you breach this order it can lead to up to five years in prison so let it go.”