Brighton Magistrates Drop Harassment and Assault Charges Against Bexhill-on-Sea Residents Following Extended Legal Battle with Neighbors

A prolonged legal battle involving a couple from Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, has finally come to a close, with harassment charges against them dropped.

Nigel and Sheila Jacklin had been embroiled in an 11-year feud with their neighbors, Dr. Stephane Duckett and his partner.

The Dispute’s Origins

The saga began in 2013 when Dr. Duckett and his partner, Norinne Betjemann, purchased a dilapidated glass workshop across from the Jacklins’ home.

The couple embarked on a significant renovation project, turning the workshop into a £400,000 holiday home.

The Jacklins, in turn, raised numerous complaints about the construction noise, alleged verbal abuse, and light pollution from the site.

Recent Allegations and Court Proceedings

Earlier this year, the Jacklins faced accusations of harassment after they were reportedly seen chanting and making rude gestures from a nearby beach.

They contended that the chanting was part of Mrs. Jacklin’s Hindu prayer practice.

Additionally, Mr. Jacklin was charged with assaulting a female friend of the Duckett-Betjemann couple during an altercation outside their home.

However, all charges were recently dropped when the couple appeared before magistrates in Brighton.

The Court Decision

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court, the Jacklins maintained their innocence, with Mr. Jacklin pleading not guilty to assault and both him and his wife denying harassment charges.

Mrs. Jacklin explained that the actions in question were part of her Sanskrit mantras.

The Crown Prosecution Service’s request for an adjournment was denied, leading to the prosecution offering no evidence.

The Jacklins were subsequently informed they were “free to go.”

Financial and Emotional Toll

The Jacklins expressed a mix of relief and frustration, highlighting the extensive legal costs and repeated investigations they have endured.

Mr. Jacklin criticized the police and the justice system, describing the situation as a misuse of police resources and an abuse of power.

He also mentioned the significant financial strain, stating they have spent “tens of thousands of pounds” on legal fees.

The Bigger Picture

The Jacklins’ legal troubles began with their complaints about the renovation work.

They were subjected to a community protection warning and banned from a designated exclusion zone around their neighbors’ property.

In 2023, the couple reported being harassed by their neighbors and claimed that the local police and courts mishandled the situation.

Official Responses

The Crown Prosecution Service stated that the adjournment request was meant to address disclosure issues but was refused by the court, leaving them with no option but to drop the case.

Sussex Police, meanwhile, defended their investigation as thorough and impartial, noting that evidence had initially supported the charges before the court’s decision to not grant the adjournment.

Dr. Duckett has yet to comment on the recent developments.