Nuisance neighbour from Walney freed from tag to ease mental heath problems

Mark Trengrove, 38, was put on an electronically-monitored curfew after being convicted of harassing his neighbour Ashley Fisher on December 28.

But Preston Crown Court heard that Trengrove, of Dominion Street, Walney, suffers with paranoid schizophrenia and runs up to 30km and works out daily to relieve his symptoms.

Judge Simon Newell agreed to remove the requirement for Trengrove to wear the device after hearing it causes him paranoia during episodes of ill health.

At times, Trengrove has believed the device is listening to him or that someone is trying to communicate through it, the court heard.

Since the incident in December, Trengrove and his neighbour have reconciled and are now on good terms.

Judge Newell said: “You know that to be abusive, insulting and threatening to your neighbour is not the best way to encourage friendly relations with someone who lives next door.

“It must have been unpleasant for that neighbour for you to behave the way you did towards him.

“We also know that you have a history of behaving in that sort of way but on the other side of the coin we know, and we accept, that you do suffer from mental health issues and so much of this behaviour may not be entirely your fault.”

The court heard Trengrove has been on an electric tag on two previous occasions in the last year.

However, when he feels unwell he finds the best way to alleviate symptoms is to go for a long run.

Judge Newell said: “We have some understanding of the fact that, given your mental health difficulties, being confined to your house or property for extended periods of time is not necessarily going to help.”

The judge said given Trengrove’s remorse he was prepared to adjust the curfew and remove the electronic tag.

Trengrove must now remain indoors from 10pm till 7am.

Judge Newell warned him: “If you are found to have broken the trust we have put in you there may be a more severe sentence.”