A row between neighbours in which tempers became frayed leading to a doorstep scuffle, landed them on the wrong side of the law.

Simon Taylor and Angela Rawlings 34, both of New Road, Great Wakering, appeared before Southend magistrates after the incident on January 9 this year.

The court heard that trouble flared when Mr Taylor, 37, became incensed over loud music bellowing from his next door neighbour's house in the early hours of the morning.

Mitigating for Mrs Rawlings, Simon Samuels, said: "In going to speak to her, Mr Taylor was somewhat aggressive and may have caused some damage to her gate and wall.

"She noticed the damage the next morning and was involved in some sort of scuffle with Mr Taylor's wife Angela.

A charge of criminal damage against Mr Taylor was withdrawn and he was bound over to keep the peace for the sum of £400 for a year.

Mrs Rawlings was also bound over for the same period of time for the sum of £200 and a charge of assault against her was withdrawn.

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