A bitter row between neighbours over the building of a wall has seen a homeowner appear in court over its demolition. 

Keith Stopford, 57, is charged with criminal damage after he allegedly took a hammer to the 1.5m high brick wall built by his neighbour while he was away on holiday. 

Police were called at the crack of dawn on December 9, 2022, over reports of it being damaged, Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told.

The warring neighbours in Pump House Close at Queen's Hills in Costessey are now set to give opposing evidence in a trial after Mr Stopford pleaded not guilty to intentionally causing damage.  

Eastern Daily Press: Keith Stopford denies the charge claiming the wall was unsafeKeith Stopford denies the charge claiming the wall was unsafe (Image: Newsquest)

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Prosecutor Lala Small said the wall divided the two properties but that there had been no mutual agreement to build it.

Julie Adams, mitigating, said Mr Stopford would argue he had a “lawful excuse” to take it down because he claims it had been badly constructed and was unsafe.

“He believes it posed a danger to himself, his wife, his dog and other people,” she added.

Magistrates granted him unconditional bail pending a trial on October 18.