Coningsby man handed restraining order

A Coningsby couple were subject to months of harassment and threats of violence from a neighbour, a court has heard.
Court stock image.Court stock image.
Court stock image.

Kevin Maplethorpe, 61, of Dogdyke Road, admitted harassment without violence towards Christopher Parker and Jessica Richardson on various dates between May 25 and August 25 last year, when he appeared at Boston Magistrates Court.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, said the couple with an infant child moved into their house opposite Maplethorpe, in September 2019, since when there had been issues with some neighbours, especially Maplethorpe.

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He said there were a number of incidents between the two dates when he banged on their front door, shouting: “Get the f*$£ out of here. I’m trained in martial arts”.

Although they shouted at him to go away, he banged on the door again, and it flew open and he called Mr Parker ‘a disabled cripple’.

Mr Clare said that on other days, he put up an offensive sign towards their house, gave an abusive two fingered sign through their window and on one occasion threw a brick into their garden.

In another incident, and when they were clearing up after a children’s party, he shouted at them: “You shouldn’t be out here. I don’t want you out here”.

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He said that when he was seen by the police, Maplethorpe told them he had ‘little recollection’ of the incidents and that it was clear alcohol ‘was an issue’, but alleged Mr Parker had been abusive to him.

Michael Alexander, in mitigation, said the couple had been moved to this address ‘because of difficulties’ and there were allegations Mr Parker had been abusive to Maplethorpe and had called him a ‘paedophile’.

He said CCTV images did show Maplethorpe reacting to them being abusive but admitted he did react badly when ‘in drink’.

“There was provocation but he admits that does not excuse his behaviour,” he said.

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The magistrates imposed a community order with 15 days rehabilitation and ordered him to pay a fine of £166 and court costs and charges totalling £180.

They also issued a six month restraining order to prevent Maplethorpe making any contact with Christopher Parker or Jessica Richardson.