Balderton pensioner who assaulted next-door neighbour and harassed him and his partner issued with a restraining order

A pensioner who assaulted a neighbour and harassed him and his partner has been issued with a restraining order.

Alan Waterfall, 78, of Heron Way, Balderton, denied the two offences but was found guilty following a trial at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.

The harassment, which took place over a year, involved directing abusive language, threatening damage and creating unacceptable noise that was directed towards the couple and their property.

The restraining order prevents him contacting the couple directly or indirectly, including through third parties, for 12 months.

Waterfall was told to pay them £600 compensation.

He was also fined £427 for assault and told to pay an additional £300 compensation.

Inspector Matt Ward, of Newark Police, who arrested Waterfall as a sergeant for the assault, said it was an unusual case given the defendant's age.

He said it had begun as a neighbour dispute over a new fence and a question mark over the boundary.

The assault had involved Waterfall jabbing at his neighbour with a piece of wood as he attempted to erect the fence between their properties.

"It was an unusual case. We did everything we could to talk to the two parties and try and find a resolution," said Inspector Ward.

"Mr Waterfall had taken exception to his neighbours.

"Each instance of harassment might have seemed inconsequential in isolation but together amounted to a pattern of behaviour that was unacceptable.

"It was even an abnormal case given the defendant's age, but age cannot be a bar to to arrest or prosecution if it is necessary.

"We have to be able to justify an arrest in that it is necessary and proportionate and in this case it was because they lived next door and the fear was that further offences would be committed that day, and the prevention of further offences requirement was satisfied.

"The law doesn't differentiate. Just because you are older, you are not exempt or excused from your actions.

"It was some great work by neighbourhood officers that brought this case to a successful conclusion for the victims in this case, and I would say that, above all, it is a positive result for the victims.

"Allegations of harassment will always be investigated and prosecuted wherever possible."