A 76‑year‑old resident of Barnet admitted to a court that he had used motor oil and detergent to kill a neighbour’s Koi carp and damage a water pump in March.
The case was heard at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of property damage and one count of unlawfully destroying fish.
According to court testimony, the man had previously warned the owner, Andreas Ptohides, that he would take action if the noisy water pump continued to run. He said the threat was made in frustration and lack of sleep.
Prosecutors presented CCTV footage showing the defendant climbing into the neighbour’s garden and damaging the water pipes, pump and pond infrastructure, with estimated damage of £565.
The defence argued that the defendant had sought to resolve the dispute before acting, citing earlier complaints about noise and a conversation in which the neighbour initially agreed to stop the pump but later reversed the decision to protect the fish.
The defendant, a former builder living in a studio flat that backs onto the garden, had also been advised by an environmental officer to either move or close his window.
He received a two‑year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £565 in compensation to the affected owner.
