What started as a peaceful village life quickly spiraled into courtroom drama for two neighboring couples in Bressingham, Norfolk.
The issue? A bitter, long-running feud over shared driveway access that has reportedly escalated into physical altercations and thousands of pounds in damages.
Now, Trevor Hollisey, 72, who runs a kitchen fitting business with his wife Jennifer, 79, finds himself at the center of criminal proceedings after allegedly attacking his next-door neighbor during one of the latest flare-ups.
Accusations of Violence and Damage Over a Gate
According to statements heard in court, Hollisey is accused of grabbing his neighbor Neil Ford by the throat during a heated altercation that reportedly lasted 10 to 15 seconds.
Ford’s wife, Michelle, was also allegedly assaulted in the same incident.
But the accusations don’t stop there. Prosecutors claim Hollisey caused over £1,300 worth of damage to the Fords’ Jaguar F-PACE, a luxury SUV parked on the contested driveway.
The confrontation reportedly boiled over on December 30 last year, capping off what’s been described as an ongoing and messy dispute over who gets access to what part of the driveway.
Jennifer Hollisey Also Faces Her Own Set of Charges
Meanwhile, Trevor’s wife, Jennifer Hollisey, isn’t just watching from the sidelines.
She’s also facing charges for allegedly assaulting both Neil Ford and his 20-year-old daughter, Sophie.
In addition, she’s been accused of damaging Sophie’s mobile phone screen protector—a cost that might seem minor at £3.99, but still landed her in court.
Jennifer pleaded not guilty to the assault charges and denied causing any damage to the phone.
Interestingly, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped a common assault charge that had originally been filed against the couple.
Neighbors Who Paid Top Price for Peace and Got Conflict Instead
The backdrop to this dispute makes the tension even more surprising.
The Holliseys purchased Highfield House in Bressingham for £540,000 back in March 2021, and the Fords moved into their home, Copper Dene, just six months later—spending £672,000.
With both homes situated in a seemingly serene part of Norfolk, few would have expected the situation to escalate to this level.
Yet, the root of the tension appears to lie in the use of the shared driveway, particularly a gate that reportedly opens onto the Holliseys’ portion.
Prosecutor Katherine Newson said there had been earlier complaints, including allegations of paving stones being smashed.
Courtroom Drama Includes Clashes and Holiday Plans
During the court hearing, defense lawyer Declan Gallagher described the incident as the result of a long-standing conflict and added that “there is a very messy history to this.”
It seems that even in court, emotions were running high.
When the magistrates started discussing trial dates, Trevor Hollisey unexpectedly spoke up, reminding the court that he and his wife have “several holidays booked this year and next.”
Despite that, the trial was scheduled for March 10 and 11 next year at Ipswich Magistrates Court.
A Business Owner With a Longstanding Reputation Now Faces Scrutiny
Beyond the neighborhood dispute, Trevor Hollisey has been a known figure in business circles.
He founded Ultimate Choice Bathrooms and Kitchens in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex back in 1987.
Today, the business is still operating, with Trevor working alongside his son, Lee.
The company’s website paints a glowing picture of its leadership: “The driving force behind our success for the last 36 years is Trevor’s and Lee’s high standards and demand for excellent workmanship on every installation.”
No Contact Order and Conditional Bail
For now, the Holliseys are out on conditional bail, with a strict order to avoid all contact with their neighbors.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether a judge will agree that the confrontation was simply a symptom of years of unresolved tensions—or something more serious.