Neighbours accuse each other of harassment, intimidation

Next-door-neighbours, who have accused each other of an ongoing war of harassment and intimidation, are suing each other for just under €40,000 damages for assault or emotional suffering.

Mary McBride (83) told Judge Alison Lindsay in the Circuit Civil Court yesterday that she and her husband Eddie (both above), also in his 80s, had been “crucified” by Michael and Marian Hanway for the past 13 years.

The Hanways, Navan Road, Dublin, are suing the McBrides for emotional suffering, harassment and intimidation, trespass and deliberate camera surveillance of their home.

The McBrides are countersuing the Hanways, alleging similar behaviour as well as assault, noise pollution and putting them in fear.

Breffni Gordon, for the Hanways, told Judge Lindsay it started when his clients in 1998 found a row of blocks had been built on to the rear garden boundary wall by the McBrides.

Ms Hanway said “things festered” after that, leading to a “falling-out”. Her husband had been twice prosecuted by the McBrides and convicted in the District Court for noise pollution, fined and bound to the peace.

The case continues.