A neighbour from hell faces eviction after admitting harassing a cancer suffering neighbour. 

Mark Nafi, aged 52, initially denied a charge of harassment but changed his plea to guilty in court after a video showing him lifting a fencing panel to sneak into his neighbour's garden at Chapel Fields, Shotley, before going on to steal plants, and smash items in the shed as part of a hate campaign against Graham Ward and his partner Jade.

Allegations of theft, criminal damage and harassment were rolled into one charge of harassment and Nafi was given a two-year conditional discharge, ordered to pay £445 compensation to the victims. Nafi was also handed a restraining order by Ipswich Magistrates last Thursday, preventing him from making any sort of contact with the couple, to keep out of their property, including the garden, banging on walls or ceiling or any sort of anti-social behaviour.

Magistrates heard how Nalfi had carried out a campaign of sustained nastiness and disruption to his neighbours' lives, including damaging property, cutting washing lines, making lewd gestures to a female occupant, playing loud music and banging on walls late at night, and pouring milk (stolen from the doorstep) through their letter box.

 Mr Ward had survived a life-threatening liver operation to help cure his cancer and was going through a long period of rehabilitation and recovery when the offences against him and his girlfriend took place.

It is understood Nafi started his campaign after Mr Ward had remonstrated with him for entering his garden without permission and frightening his girlfriend. Other neighbours have also complained of Nafi's behaviour towards them, including alleged damage to vehicles, anti-social behaviour and threats, which were reported to police. Nafi has denied all accusations.

Convicted burglar Nafi was handed a 12-month suspended jail sentence last month but as these latest offences took place before being convicted of stealing paintings from an 89-year-old neighbour, the prison sentence will not be activated.

However, Nalfi does face possible eviction from his Chapel Fields flat by the housing association for breaches of his lease.