A 76-year-old man has admitted to using motor oil and detergent to kill his neighbor's Koi carp and damage a water pump, citing "sheer frustration and lack of sleep" as his motivation. Gerry Duffy, of Barnet, north London, pleaded guilty Tuesday morning at Willesden Magistrates' Court to charges of damaging the pond, fish, water pump, and pipes.
The incident occurred in March following a dispute over noise emanating from his neighbor Andreas Ptohides' fishpond pump. The prosecution stated that Duffy had previously warned his neighbor that he would take matters into his own hands if the noise was not addressed. After the dispute escalated, Duffy poured motor oil and cleaning detergent into the pond, killing an estimated five or six Koi carp.
The court heard that the damage was estimated at £585, although the neighbor had claimed £800 worth of damage. Duffy was captured on CCTV entering the neighbor's garden and damaging the water pipes and pumps.
In defense, Duffy's representative stated that his client had attempted to resolve the noise issue through other means. He explained that Duffy had spoken to his neighbor multiple times, and initial agreements to stop the pump operation were later rescinded, with the neighbor citing that it was "not good for the fish." An environmental officer had reportedly advised Duffy to either move or close his window to mitigate the noise.
His legal counsel described Duffy's actions as out of character, stating he "lost his mind" due to the persistent noise and lack of sleep. Duffy is scheduled to be sentenced later on Tuesday morning.