A WOMAN caught up in a bitter feud over a garden hedge collapsed in the witness box before she could give her evidence in court yesterday.

Dr Patricia Smith, who is suing next-door neighbour Paul Brough after he threatened to destroy her 20ft Leylandii, needed a two-hour break.

The doctor told Newcastle County Court how the trees, originally planted by a previous occupant, died and were replaced.

But defence barrister Michelle Temple told the court the existing trees were examined by an expert and found to be about 20 years old.

The court heard how Mr Brough, of Darras Hall Estate, Ponteland, Northumberland, had "had enough" of the bush poking through the netting on to his side of the garden and took matters into his own hands by chopping back the protruding branches.

Dr Smith and partner Dr Barry Hutchinson applied to Newcastle County Court in August for an injunction preventing the Broughs from trespassing on their land or tampering with their plants.

Dr Smith told the court how the atmosphere quickly turned to violence after their gardener was accused of breaking the Broughs' front door panel and Dr Hutchinson was said to have pushed or punched Mr Brough.

The case continues.