You’d think a quiet village in Norfolk would be the perfect spot for peaceful retirement—but not for the Holliseys and the Fords.
What started as a disagreement over a shared driveway spiraled into a courtroom drama involving allegations of assault, property damage, and shattered neighbourly relations.
The Alleged Driveway Showdown
According to prosecutors, things came to a head on December 30th last year, when 72-year-old Trevor Hollisey, who owns a kitchen fitting business, allegedly grabbed his neighbour Neil Ford by the throat for up to 15 seconds.
The altercation reportedly didn’t stop there—Mr Hollisey is also accused of attacking Mr Ford’s wife, Michelle, and causing more than £1,300 worth of damage to the couple’s Jaguar F-PACE.
Not Just One Side of the Fence
And it wasn’t only Trevor involved. His wife, 79-year-old Jennifer Hollisey, has been accused of assaulting both Neil Ford and his 20-year-old daughter, Sophie.
She’s also facing charges for reportedly damaging Sophie’s phone—specifically, her £3.99 screen protector.
Yes, the details even go that granular in this legal tangle.
From Dream Homes to Courtroom Battles
The Holliseys bought their home, Highfield House, in the Norfolk village of Bressingham for £540,000 back in March 2021.
The Fords moved into their own £672,000 property, Copper Dene, just six months later.
What should have been neighbourly pleasantries turned into years of tension, largely revolving around access to a shared driveway.
Prosecutor Katherine Newson explained in court that the dispute escalated after the Fords allegedly opened a gate leading onto the Holliseys’ portion of the drive.
Trouble Had Been Brewing
Before things exploded, there had already been reports of smashed paving stones and complaints filed with the police.
But the events of December 30 were the boiling point. That day, according to prosecutors, Mr Hollisey physically confronted Mr Ford and deliberately caused damage to their luxury car.
Pleas and Denials in Court
In Norwich Magistrates’ Court, Trevor Hollisey denied the charge of criminal damage and the assault charge involving Mrs Ford.
He didn’t enter a plea for the more serious accusation of intentional strangulation.
Jennifer Hollisey denied both assault charges tied to Neil Ford and his daughter and also pleaded not guilty to damaging Sophie’s phone accessory.
Meanwhile, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped one count of common assault against the pair.
Defense Points to Long-Running Tensions
Representing the Holliseys, Declan Gallagher painted a different picture—one of a long-standing feud, not an unprovoked attack.
He told the court this wasn’t a simple case but rather the latest incident in what he called “a very messy history.”
Trial Postponed by Holiday Plans
In a somewhat unusual twist, Mr Hollisey interrupted proceedings to mention that he and his wife had “several holidays booked” for this year and next, as magistrates were trying to lock in trial dates.
Eventually, the case was scheduled to be heard at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on March 10 and 11 next year.
Business in the Background
Outside the courtroom, Trevor Hollisey continues to run Ultimate Choice Bathrooms and Kitchens—a business he founded in Essex back in 1987.
He now works alongside his son, Lee.
According to the company’s website, the father-son duo are credited with upholding high standards and delivering top-quality workmanship for nearly four decades.