‘Neighbour from hell’: Herne Hill family ‘scared for our lives’ after constant alleged torment

A Geelong family is fighting to have a “truly terrifying” neighbour, who they allege has threatened their children and tried to gain entry to their property, evicted. WATCH THE VIDEO

A Geelong family living in constant fear of an “unhinged” and “truly terrifying” neighbour they allege has threatened their children and tried to gain entry to their property is fighting to have him evicted.

Herne Hill mother Melissa Brown (not her real name) has told how their three children “can’t even play in their own backyard” due to menacing and prolific abuse by a 40-year-old living next door, who the Geelong Advertiser can reveal has an extensive criminal record and history of violent confrontations with neighbours.

Police officers were called to their home last week, on Tuesday, March 28, after he allegedly hurled “disgusting” abuse at her 10-year-old son as he played basketball in the backyard.

She claims he then kicked through timber slats on her fence and attempted to enter the property, only to be confronted by the boy’s father.

Ms Brown, her three children and her husband, James (not his real name), had already taken out an intervention order (IVO) against the man following a number of disturbing incidents.

“My kids are petrified and we are living in constant fear,” he said.

“We put security cameras up the other day just for our own safety.

“My kids literally live in fear of this man, it is a nightmare.”

A Herne Hill resident has been charged with wilful damage after a terrifying incident with a Geelong family last week. Photo Supplied.

The alleged abuser lives next door in a commission unit run by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Ms Brown said she was “at her wits’ end” after documenting the alleged abuse and sending it to the DFFH, who she says have told her “unless he makes a direct threat to kill, nothing can be done.”

The Geelong Advertiser has seen several pieces of video evidence of the abuse but has chosen not to publish them all for legal reasons.

In one video, the 40-year-old man can be heard saying “someone’s gonna pay (sic)” after hurling a torrent of foul mouthed abuse directed across the fence.

“It seems no matter what we say or do, nothing can be done,” she said.

It comes as Victoria Police confirmed the man is expected to be charged on summons with wilful damage as a result of the incident on March 28.

“Police were called to a property in Herne Hill following reports of a dispute between two men,” a police spokeswoman said.

“It is alleged a man was verbally abusive towards his neighbours and damaged a residential fence about 5pm.”

He is expected to face court at a later date.

A spokesman from the DFFH said they could not comment on the specific case when contacted by the Geelong Advertiser.

“The department does not tolerate anti-social behaviour in accommodation it owns or leases from third-party providers and takes all incidents and complaints seriously,” the statement read.

The statement said DFFH do work with police, specialist housing services and other key parties including local councils, when required, to ensure any incidents of anti-social behaviour are dealt with appropriately.

Ms Brown said she just wants to live peacefully “knowing my family is safe.”

“This man is unhinged and truly terrifying,” she said

“We should not have to put up with this.

“We deserve to feel safe in our own home.”

If you or someone you know is affected harassment, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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Originally published as ‘Neighbour from hell’: Herne Hill family ‘scared for our lives’ after constant alleged torment