Gerry Duffy, a 76-year-old man, has admitted to intentionally killing his neighbor's Koi carp fish by pouring motor oil and detergent into their pond. The act stemmed from a dispute over the noise generated by an electric pump used for the pond, which Mr. Duffy claimed was causing him sleepless nights and driving him to extreme frustration.
Mr. Duffy confessed to the court that he initially poured motor oil into his neighbor Andreas Ptohides' pond on March 20, 2026. Four days later, he was captured on CCTV entering his neighbor's garden and damaging the water pipes and electric pump. He then introduced detergent, identified as 'Fairy Liquid,' into the water, resulting in the deaths of approximately five to six Koi carp.
The pensioner, who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other health issues including type 1 diabetes, skin cancer, and high blood pressure, stated that his patience "just snapped" after enduring sleepless nights. He explained that the noise from the pump was particularly unbearable when he was recovering from a chest infection and needed to keep his window open. Despite discussions with his neighbor, who initially agreed to stop the pump but later refused citing it was "not good for the fish," Mr. Duffy felt his situation did not improve. He claimed that his neighbor made the problem worse by adding more equipment.
During his defense, it was noted that Mr. Duffy's health had declined both physically and mentally over the past year, and he suffered from severe anxiety and depression. A recent breakup also impacted him. He expressed regret, fearing he had lost his good reputation within his community and with his family, particularly his grandchildren.
On August 4, Mr. Duffy pleaded guilty to three counts of damaging property and one count of unlawfully destroying fish at Willesden Magistrates' Court. He was ordered to pay £565 in compensation, comprising £440 for the pond and associated equipment and £125 for the destruction of the fish. He received a two-year conditional discharge order.
Mr. Duffy stated that the situation has since worsened, as he claims the pond is now louder than before, suggesting his actions have "backfired." He continues to struggle with the noise, resorting to taping his window shut and sleeping on his good ear to try and get rest. He also purchased an air conditioner but found its noise level to be too high.