Parliament Bell Ringer Ordered to Sell London Home Over Gate Dispute

A Parliament bell ringer has been ordered by the High Court to sell his £1 million London home after losing a legal battle over his decision to tear down a gate at his banker neighbor's property on the day they moved in. Adrian Udal, 66, removed the roller gate and door leading to Nicholas and Lisa Patrick-Hiley's £2 million mews cottage in Fulham in August 2023, shortly after the couple completed their purchase.

The Patrick-Hileys, who intended to use the property as a retirement home, were drawn into a legal dispute with Udal, who claimed ownership of the land on which the gate stood. Judge Nicholas Parfitt had previously labeled Udal's actions as a 'carefully pre-planned' act of 'wanton destruction.'

In June 2025, Udal was ordered to pay his neighbors £10,000, followed by an £85,000 bill for their legal fees, with daily accruing interest. However, the High Court was informed that Udal had not paid any of the £129,500 he owed and had 'no intention' of doing so.

Judge Deputy Master Martin Dray stated that the claimants were significantly out of pocket, with the amount owed continually increasing. He noted Udal's lack of any attempt to repay the debt, describing his stance as a disclaimer of liability. The court granted an order for possession and sale of Udal's home to recover the owed funds.

Deputy Master Dray mentioned a 'frosty conversation' with Udal after Christmas, during which Udal made his refusal to pay clear. Despite Udal not actively participating in the proceedings related to the sale of his house, the judge proceeded with the order, stating that Udal could not be allowed to 'derail' the case. The court's decision to enforce charging orders through sale and possession was based on the evidence heavily favoring the claimants.

The sale order will enable the Patrick-Hileys to recover approximately £104,500, with Udal also ordered to pay an additional £25,000 in costs for the latest hearing. Possession of the house must be handed over within 28 days, though this will be waived if Udal settles his debt by October 2.

Udal, a veteran bell-ringer, has served as secretary of the belfry at St Margaret's Church near Westminster Abbey. Mr Patrick-Hiley is a retired financier and former managing director at Panmure Gordon.

The two properties share an unusual layout, with the Patrick-Hileys' house situated behind Udal's property and accessible via a passageway that runs under part of Udal's home. While Udal owns the land for the drive and passageway, the Patrick-Hileys hold the legal right to traverse it to reach their home.

Upon arriving at their new home, the Patrick-Hileys discovered Udal and another individual dismantling the gates. Although they had been informed of a prior dispute between Udal and the previous owner, they believed it was resolved. They had even contacted Udal about potentially installing new gates, but he proceeded to remove the existing fixtures, reportedly to install gates he had purchased a month earlier.

Udal's defense, asserting his rights as the freeholder of the land, was dismissed by Judge Parfitt, who found Udal to be a 'poor witness' whose testimony prioritized his own perception over objective facts.