Property Renovation Dispute Escalates to Criminal Conviction
A Southwest London resident has been found guilty of harassment following a prolonged conflict with neighbors over controversial property development plans. Robin Christie, 65, received the conviction at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court for actions targeting City solicitor Samuel Tempest Brooks and company director Julia Stafford.
Conservation Area Conflict Intensifies
The dispute centered on the couple’s £850,000 Edwardian-era property in Hampton Village’s conservation area. Court documents revealed Christie padlocked his bicycle to a makeshift gate blocking vehicle access and engaged in repeated confrontations regarding the couple’s approved renovation plans.
The approved development included a subterranean expansion and two-story extension that could substantially increase the property’s value. However, objections arose when the couple sought to demolish a boundary wall to create gated access through Hill House Drive, threatening resident parking spaces.
Courtroom Testimony Reveals Hostile Encounters
Video evidence presented to the court showed Christie entering the couple’s property while Stafford shouted “Get off my land.” Testimony indicated multiple physical altercations occurred during fencing disputes, with Stafford reporting bruises and cuts from encounters with Christie.
Deputy District Judge Patricia Evans characterized Christie’s behavior as “arrogant and intimidating,” noting he “completely lost perspective” during physical altercations over property boundaries.
Professional Repercussions and Psychological Impact
Christie escalated the conflict by sending a formal complaint to Brooks’ law firm, McFarlanes, while the couple vacationed in Greece with their children. Brooks dismissed the letter as “absurd faux legalese” and “hysterical nonsense” designed to threaten his career.
Medical evidence presented in court indicated Stafford developed post-traumatic stress disorder following the incidents. She described feeling “dehumanized” and “living in a cage” due to Christie’s actions, with family members witnessing multiple confrontations.
Community Tensions and Legal Outcome
The court heard how multiple Hill House Drive residents opposed the development plans, culminating in a June 2024 rejection of the wall demolition application. The property subsequently returned to the market with a £999,950 asking price.
Christie, who described himself as the residents’ “calmest head,” maintained his actions weren’t harassment but community protection against perceived trespass. Sentencing has been deferred pending probation reports.
