Callington Neighbourhood Feud: Kenneth Barker Given Indefinite Restraining Order

Bodmin Magistrates’ Court Orders Suspended Sentence and Compensation

A dramatic neighbourhood dispute in Callington has culminated in 79-year-old Kenneth Barker receiving an indefinite restraining order. Barker appeared at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on 22 July, where he was also sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay over £1000 in compensation and fees.

Long-Standing Dispute Erupts

The roots of the dispute trace back nearly 30 years when Kenneth Barker believed that his land boundaries had been altered by another party. This civil disagreement escalated dramatically after the current victims moved into their home. Barker subjected them to repeated harassment, including verbal and physical abuse, swearing, throwing stones, and behaving in a threatening manner.

Police Intervention and Continued Harassment

The situation came to the attention of the police in April 2023. Barker was issued a Community Protection Warning in June, but his disruptive behaviour persisted. On one occasion, Barker blocked the victims’ driveway with his car, claiming the battery was flat when officers asked him to move it. His behaviour was captured on CCTV, leading to further police intervention.

Despite the Warning notice, Barker’s harassment continued, including knocking down boundary fences and throwing buckets of water over a hedge onto the victims’ property. Police officers spoke to him multiple times, but his aggressive actions did not cease, resulting in his arrest. During the investigation, Barker’s behaviour persisted, leading to his remand in custody for several weeks before sentencing.

Court Verdict and Community Impact

Kenneth Barker pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including common assault, harassment, and criminal damage. The Magistrate described the case as “one of the worst examples of a neighbour dispute that we have come across.”

Following the sentencing, PC Jess Floyd from the Callington Police Neighbourhood Team highlighted the extensive impact Barker’s actions had on the victims and the community. “The persistent and continued behaviour by Mr Barker has impacted the victims’ quality of life over a period of time, as well as others in the area, who should all be able to go about their business in peace,” she stated.

Floyd also emphasised that the victims were not involved in the initial land dispute, which had since been disproved. The court’s sentence was welcomed by the police, who thanked all those involved for their support during the investigation.

Community Response

This case has brought significant attention to the impact of prolonged neighbourhood disputes and the importance of timely intervention. The community of Callington now hopes for a period of peace following the court’s decision, allowing residents to resume their lives without fear of further harassment.

The court’s decision serves as a stern warning against such behaviour, aiming to restore tranquillity and safety in the neighbourhood.