A NEIGHBOUR from hell who made a couple’s life a misery and threatened to kill their young daughter has gone to prison.

Keith John Cooper, 52, was sentenced to 13 weeks and given a restraining order following a campaign of harassment against his neighbours.

Newton Aycliffe magistrates heard yesterday that Cooper and his wife, Carol, would become embroiled in drunken arguments at their home in Cartmell Terrace, Darlington.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said Cooper’s anger would spill out to neighbours who he would direct abuse at, shouting and banging on the walls.

Mr Maddison said things escalated last Christmas when he told the neighbour’s fouryear- old daughter there was no Santa Claus and threatened to kill her.

Lucy Shuttleworth, mitigating, said the neighbours first fell out over their rubbish disposal and council health officers had become involved.

However, she said the situation was compounded by Cooper’s ongoing marital difficulties and the fact that he and his wife were spending more time at home together drinking. Magistrates heard that the situation had become so stressful that the four-yearold was seeing an educational psychologist and had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

The chairwoman of the bench, Beryl Swinbank, said the case was so serious that only a custodial sentence was sufficient. She said: “This was persistent and continual harassment and one of the victims being a young girl who has been traumatised.”

Speaking after the hearing, the father of the girl said he was pleased with the sentence but hoped the court would have stopped him returning to their street, adding: “We’re still worried about when he comes out. It’s been hell living here and we can’t even put the house up for sale.”

Relief could be at hand for the family after Roger Power, Cooper’s landlord, confirmed he was reviewing the tenancy agreement.

“I am aware that there have been some allegations made and Mr Cooper has been warned about his behaviour but up until now these allegations were unproved,” he said.

“Following this (court case) I am sure there will be an outcome that will satisfy the neighbours.”