‘Neighbour from hell’ jailed over rude number plates

Grandfather Barrie Barker, 58, has been locked up for 12 months for breaching an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) imposed in the long-running dispute.

The row began over cars on and around Barker’s home in the quiet cul-de-sac of Lund Close, Lundwood, Barnsley.

Barker was already subject to an Asbo for harassing former magistrate Barry Roddis when he parked cars in front of his home with the number plates R 5OUL and GRA55 R. He was jailed for four months for breaches of the Asbo in March, 2010 and has now been jailed for a year for further breaches of the Asbo.

Mr Roddis, 72, and his wife Phyllis, 71, have suffered nine years of abuse from Barker and Mr Roddis has suffered a nervous breakdown.

He and his wife moved into the street 12 years ago and the abuse started when Mr Roddis was asked to speak up on behalf of the residents about Barker mending cars on his driveway.

In the latest breaches of his Asbo, Barker has smashed the Roddises’ garden fence, stalked them when they went out, blocked their driveway and shouted abuse.

The couple installed audio CCTV cameras in their front and back gardens to gather evidence against Barker.

Mr Roddis said: “We have been locking ourselves in, it has been very difficult. We couldn’t even take out dog for a walk. He was at it all the time, we couldn’t go out in the street. I have had to have psychiatric treatment. I was suicidal, it was that bad.”

When Barker was jailed for four months at Sheffield Magistrates Court he claimed the bail conditions before sentencing breached his human rights because he was banned from entering his own home.