Imagine having to leave the country just to escape your neighbour! That’s exactly what one Swansea resident had to resort to because of the relentless harassment from pensioner Michael Matthews. Over the years, Matthews, 70, was like a bad dream that wouldn’t end — damaging cars and spewing verbal abuse through his neighbour’s video doorbell, easily becoming the neighbour you’d never want.
Despite a prior suspended sentence and a restraining order meant to curb his behaviour, Matthews just couldn’t let it go. The frustrated neighbour had even moved abroad and to his parents’ place in a bid to find peace. In court, he described the experience as “death by a thousand cuts,” noting the endless stress caused by Matthews.
The final straw came when Matthews was recorded making threats of violence, leading to his arrest this past spring in Cwmrhydyceirw, Swansea. In court, Matthews’ lawyer painted a picture of a man hoping to change his ways as he turns 71. But the judge wasn’t convinced, warning Matthews that prison could become his new quiet retreat if he didn’t change his ways.
Sentenced to 20 months behind bars, the judge activated part of his previous sentence due to the repeated breaches, landing him a longer stay in the slammer. Alongside this, Matthews received a hefty 10-year restraining order to ensure his neighbour can finally find some peace.
Here’s hoping this poor fellow can now get back to living his life without the drama next door! Have you ever had a neighbour from hell? 🏡👀 #NeighbourNightmare #JusticeServed