Neighbour from hell destroyed my life, court hears

A mother of two told a court yesterday her 67-year-old neighbour destroyed her life and that she was now a prisoner in her own home.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Patrizia Crowley said Martin McLaughlin, described by Judge Gerard Keyes as “a neighbour from hell”, had destroyed her as a person. “I am unable to live the life I want. I don’t have the freedom to come and go.”

Her fears were expressed in a victim impact statement yesterday. Sentencing of McLaughlin was adjourned until April.