A retired Army physical training instructor has received a 12-month conditional discharge after an altercation with his neighbour stemming from a dispute over land access.
Kenneth Bell, aged 90, admitted to assault by beating at North Staffordshire Justice Centre following an incident on March 11th in Kidsgrove. The conflict arose regarding the placement of a motorhome parked near Mr. Bell’s property.
According to the prosecution, Mr. Bell confronted his neighbours and their spouses, who asserted ownership of the land where the motorhome was situated. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Mr. Bell striking the complainant with a punch to the jaw and subsequently making threatening remarks as he departed, stating, “I will have you two.” He allegedly later threatened to set fire to the motorhome while the complainant was inside.
Defense attorney Sarah Bedford explained that the disagreement originated from the presence of a public footpath bordering Mr. Bell’s bungalow, impacting his privacy and creating ongoing tension. Mr. Bell, who previously served in the Royal Artillery before working as an engineer at GEC, has resided on the property for two decades. Ms. Bedford emphasized that he had been “under stress” due to the long-standing dispute.
She stated that Mr. Bell “lost his temper” after experiencing what he described as escalating abuse and threats from his neighbours. During the hearing, Mr. Bell asserted: “I am one of 12 children. I am Ken Bell. I am respected all over this city.”
Following the court proceedings, Mr. Bell elaborated on the decades-long dispute.
- “It has gone on for 20 years.”
- “I have maintained this footpath for 20 years.”
- “I have had cancer and got rid of it. I threw it out. I am an ex Army physical training instructor. I have fought all my life.”
The court acknowledged differing versions of events, with the defense suggesting a discrepancy between Mr. Bell’s account and that presented by the prosecution.
In addition to the conditional discharge, Mr. Bell was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £26 surcharge. While the prosecution requested a restraining order, magistrates deemed it unnecessary and disproportionate.
The incident highlights a protracted disagreement over access rights and land ownership, illustrating how such disputes can escalate into physical altercations.
