In a court hearing, it was revealed that a doctor, Dr Veena Paes, who is engaged in a bitter dispute with her neighbours over the ownership of a strip of land near their houses, tore down a trellis “in a fit of rage.”
Dr Paes, a specialist in public health research, is engaged in a legal battle with three sets of neighbours residing in her suburban street in Trevelyan Road, Tooting, South London.
The neighbours in question, namely Thomas and Florence Benton, Robert Gilder and Althea D’Lima, and Mohammed Shaffi, own three corner plot properties adjacent to Dr Paes’ £1 million home.
Dr Paes claims that her neighbours “colluded to trespass” on the strip of land that separates all four properties.
Dr Paes, along with her husband, Melanius Paes, alleges a conspiracy by the neighbours to seize their land, The Telegraph reported.
They argue that a gate, which used to provide access to the 84ft x 20ft strip, was removed, and new fencing was erected, wrongfully blocking their entry.
The couple conducted extensive historical research into house deeds and documents dating back to Victorian times, supporting their claim of ownership.
The conflicting claims of ownership and the potential application of adverse possession are at the center of the case, which is being heard at the Central London County Court.
Dr Paes has voiced complaints about encroachment since seven years when one of her previous neighbours erected a fence in the wrong place. Furthermore, the removal of a gate that once allowed access to the strip added to the tensions.
During the court proceedings, testimonies were presented by both parties.
Dr Paes argued that she and her husband have faced harassment, while her neighbours denied any conspiracy or intentional land seizure.
Seeking a court order in their favour to establish the boundary and an injunction related to the structures on the disputed land, Dr Paes and her husband presented their case.
After four days of court hearings, the judge, Recorder Green, reserved judgment, indicating that the final decision is yet to be made.
