A WOMAN has been ordered to pay more than £1,700 for her anti-social behaviour towards neighbours.

Debra Watt, of Caris Street in Gateshead, sent neighbours threatening letters, caused one neighbour to be falsely arrested, and repeatedly made unfounded complaints about them to their landlord, to the council and to Northumbria Police.

She also shouted and swore at them, filmed them and sent footage of them to their landlord.

She threatened legal action against her neighbours, and persistently requested that one neighbour be evicted from their home.

Eventually, neighbours contacted Gateshead Council for help, stating that she and the frequent police presence that she caused made them feel harassed and worried.

Watt was warned about her behaviour and she was served with a community protection notice, but she then started targeting council officers with allegations of harassment and threats of legal action.

Watt was subsequently charged with failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice and causing harassment, alarm and distress to her neighbours.

She failed to attend Gateshead Magistrates’ Court and the prosecution case was heard in her absence.

Magistrates found the case proven and issued a £770 fine, a £77 victim surcharge £700 costs and £200 compensation to be paid to an affected neighbour.

Angela Douglas, from Gateshead Council, said: “Residents have the right to live in their homes, free from disturbances or harassment.”