Ross-shire sisters aimed ‘to put matters right’ in neighbour dispute

A neighbours' dispute boiled over when two Ross-shire sisters tried to "put matters right" by approaching the couple next door.

But 42-year-old Rhona Campbell, of Macdonald Road, Dingwall, and her 35-year-old sister Joanna, of Shillinghill, Alness had been drinking before going to speak to Victoria and Andrew Mowat on the night of May 11, 2024, Inverness Sheriff Court heard.

Fiscal depute Shay Traynor told Sheriff Sara Matheson that the Campbells knocked at the front door and Mrs Mowat answered and they all went into the living room.

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Mr Traynor went on: "There has been a long-running neighbourhood dispute and Rhona Campbell lunged at Mrs Mowat and there was a struggle between them. Joanna Campbell then got involved and pushed Mrs Mowat on the body. Her husband Andrew tried to get Joanna Campbell out of the house and there was another struggle."

The third accused, Peter Maiden also of Macdonald Road then appeared and upon seeing the struggle, he kicked the door open and began to struggle with Mr Mowat. The Campbells then flew the house and police were contacted.

"Mr and Mrs Mowat have been unable to return to their home because they are terrified of the accused," Mr Traynor added.

Maiden admitted threatening behaviour and his solicitor, Rory Gowans said: "He recognises his involvement was unnecessary. He bitterly regrets this, Mr Mowat quickly got the better of him."

Maiden, who admitted previous convictions, was fined £380.

First offender Rhona Campbell pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr and Mrs Mowat and threatening behaviour and was fined £470. Her lawyer, David Patterson told the court: "It was a feud of long standing involving all parties who have not covered themselves in glory. She had a bit too much to drink.

"It was not pre-planned. She entered the house to try and put matters right and it escalated."

Joanna Campbell admitted assaulting Mrs Mowat and threatening behaviour. Joanna Campbell, who had no criminal record, was fined £290. Her defence agent, Donna Seivwright told Sheriff Matheson: "She lost her father three months beforehand and she was still in an emotional state. She also had taken too much to drink. She perceived that her sister needed help."

Sheriff Sara Matheson imposed a non-harassment order on all three for a year to protect the Mowats.