A man has been found guilty of conducting a “series of little acts,” including chopping down his neighbour’s hedge to get a better view of the Welsh mountains.
Although it was Alexander Edwards that cut down the hedge that belonged to Ian Cox, it was Edwards’ mother that started the feud almost eight years ago.
Cox made sure to keep a detailed list of all the incidents he’s suffered, most occurring during the early hours of the morning. Edwards would often listen to loud music late at night, which would prompt his dog into barking. As the incidents continued, Cox was advised to install a CCTV camera.
On July 5, 2021, a seven-foot hole appeared in Cox’s hedge without his permission. After additional run-ins with Edwards, Cox had had enough. Prosecutor Rhian Jackson said that Mr. Cox reported issues with Mrs. Edwards to Conwy Council as long ago as 2014.
Defendant Graham Parry said Edwards had had a view down the valley until the hedge grew “out of control.” He said the defendant was allowed to cut the hedge, although on his own side.
The District Judge Gwyn Jones told Edwards in the dock: “For whatever reason, you got embroiled in a dispute which is not of your making.
“Whatever the rights and wrongs of this matter, you conducted a series of little acts which caused harassment to your neighbour. It was anti-social behaviour.” The judge at Llandudno Magistrates Court ordered Edwards to 80 hours of unpaid work, along with a four-year restraining order prohibiting the defendant from contacting or approaching Ian Cox in any way and pay £85 in costs and a £95 surcharge to the courts.