What started as a simple debate over installing new floodlights at a prestigious village social club quickly escalated into a full-blown legal saga.
Robert Crawshaw, a respected crown green bowling champion and longtime club member, found himself at the center of controversy after pushing for the installation of new lights at the Union Club in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.
However, instead of a straightforward decision, tensions flared, leading to allegations of misconduct and, eventually, Crawshaw’s expulsion from the club.
A Bitter Fallout Leads to Retaliation
Crawshaw, 65, had been a member of the club for an impressive 46 years, and his partner even held the role of club president.
But following his removal due to claims of ‘sexual impropriety,’ he didn’t take the decision lightly.
Instead of walking away, he launched a relentless campaign against club officials, sending persistent emails and seeking details about who had filed complaints against him.
His frustration soon escalated into direct acts of vandalism.
Acts of Revenge Caught on Camera
Surveillance footage revealed Crawshaw using a sharp object to puncture the tyres of multiple vehicles belonging to club members.
His victims included club steward Paul Furby, whose Peugeot 508 was targeted, and Furby’s wife, Julie, whose Dacia Stepway Sandero also sustained damage, amounting to £849.60 in total.
He didn’t stop there—committee member Melanie Farnworth’s Jaguar E-Pace suffered a punctured tyre, costing her £300 in repairs.
The 136-year-old club had to take action, sending Crawshaw a formal ‘cease and desist’ letter warning him to stop his harassment.
Ignoring Warnings and Facing the Consequences
Despite repeated warnings, Crawshaw continued his defiant streak, bombarding board members with emails threatening legal action.
Over the span of a year, he sent numerous messages criticizing club staff, disregarding the restrictions placed upon him.
Prosecutors detailed his repeated violations, emphasizing how his actions left one complainant feeling harassed.
His continued defiance ultimately led to multiple restraining orders and legal consequences.
A Man in Decline
Crawshaw’s defense pointed to his deteriorating mental health.
His barrister, Julian Farley, argued that the entire situation stemmed from a financial dispute over who should fund the new club lights—a disagreement that somehow spiraled into accusations of misconduct and his subsequent removal.
According to his defense, Crawshaw had struggled to cope, with his once-thriving business of refurbishing bowling greens suffering as a result.
He had become so overwhelmed that he was unable to complete any work, leaving 200 bowls untouched in his workshop.
The Final Verdict
At the Crewe Magistrates’ Court, Crawshaw admitted to harassment and was conditionally discharged for two years.
He had already been ordered to pay £1,149 in compensation for the damages he caused.
As he left the courtroom, he maintained his confidence, smiling and declaring, “Thank you very much—justice has been done.”
A Club Steeped in Tradition
The Union Club, a staple in Cheshire’s affluent ‘Golden Triangle,’ boasts a rich history, originally comprised of butlers, footmen, and gardeners serving wealthy mill owners.
Now, it finds itself at the center of an unexpected scandal.
The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—what started as a disagreement over floodlights has now left a lasting impact on the club and its members.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn