A 77-year-old woman in Poole, Dorset, has been evicted from her home after a five-year legal battle with her neighbour over a one-foot strip of land. Jenny Field was removed from her property by court bailiffs on January 28th, and her home is now set to be sold to cover the £113,000 in legal fees incurred by her neighbour, Pauline Clark.
The Dispute
The dispute began in 2020 when Pauline Clark erected a fence that Jenny Field claimed encroached 12 inches onto her land. Field initially responded by dismantling the fence, then repositioning it to reclaim what she believed was her property. Clark subsequently took legal action, and ultimately won a court order requiring Field to cover the costs of the original fence’s removal, as well as two-thirds of Clark’s legal expenses – initially around £21,000.
Escalating Costs and Court Orders
Despite the initial ruling, Field continued to contest the case, bringing multiple appeals – including a claim of fraudulent behavior by Clark, which was dismissed by the court as having ‘no reasoned basis.’ As a result, the legal fees continued to mount. Last September, a county court judge ordered Field to pay the full £113,000 bill or face the sale of her home, calling the order a “draconian remedy” but stating Field had been given ample opportunity to resolve the debt.
Eviction and Aftermath
After failing to meet the December 6th deadline to pay, Clark’s solicitors secured an eviction notice. Bailiffs arrived at Field’s home on January 28th, and were initially met with resistance. Field, who has lived in the property since 2016, reportedly refused to allow bailiffs entry, shouting at them to leave before a locksmith was called to change the locks. She was briefly allowed outside to explain her case but then denied reentry. Field expressed distress, stating she had “nowhere else to go” and felt she was being unjustly evicted.
Clark’s solicitor, Anna Curtis, stated that there was sufficient equity in Field’s £420,000 property to cover the debt and allow Field to purchase another home mortgage-free with funds remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the eviction?
The eviction was prompted by Jenny Field’s failure to pay £113,000 in legal fees to her neighbour, Pauline Clark, following a five-year dispute over a boundary fence and a one-foot strip of land.
What was the judge’s reasoning for ordering the sale of Field’s home?
The judge stated the order for sale was a “last resort” but that Field had repeatedly sought to relitigate the case and had not demonstrated any willingness to settle the debt through other means.
What will happen to the proceeds from the sale of Field’s home?
The proceeds from the sale of Field’s home will be used to cover Pauline Clark’s legal fees, which currently total £113,000.
Given the complexities of property law and the emotional toll of neighbor disputes, what factors do you think could have led to a different outcome in this case?
