A pensioner accused of harassing her neighbour to the point of suicide appeared in court last week.

Joan Nisbet, 70, from Godstone Road, Kenley, appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court charged with harassing her neighbours and behaving in a threatening and abusive manner towards them.

The elderly woman has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Crown Prosecutor Bena Brown told Magistrates Miss Nisbet had driven her next door neighbour to attempt suicide after months of enduring sleepless nights.

Miss Brown told the court: “Paul Crowley attempted suicide by drinking alcohol and taking pills.

“He is suffering from sleep deprivation and it appears it (Miss Nisbet’s behaviour) has been incessant.”

The court heard Miss Nisbet had allegedly been playing loud music until 5am, screamed abuse at the Crowley's through the walls and had threatened to kill Mr Crowley's wife, Lorraine.

She is also accused of standing in her garden while hurling abuse at the couple until the early hours of the morning.

The alleged threat to Kill Mrs Crowley came when Miss Nisbet is said to have been “pushing the hedge” while shouting her.

When Mrs Crowley asked her to stop the prosecution claim Miss Nisbet said: “You're my biggest enemy sweetheart. I've got a hammer and you are on my hit list. Don't forget it.”

Miss Nisbet denies all the charges against her.

She has been ordered not to contact any of her neighbours and had a curfew to stay in her home between 9pm and 7am withdrawn.

She is due to appear before magistrates on August 8 for trial.