Zoi Hayes has been issued a two-year restraining order by Salisbury Magistrates' Court after a 15-year feud with her neighbors, Peter and Corrine Rotherham. The latest incident involved Hayes deliberately leaving her lawnmower running for approximately an hour on July 19, 2025, to disrupt a garden party hosted by the Rotherhams and their six guests. This action was admitted to be an attempt to "frustrate and annoy" the couple, constituting harassment and a breach of an existing restraining order.
The court heard that Hayes had a previous restraining order imposed in 2021 following an incident where she damaged a sweet pea flower belonging to Mrs. Rotherham. Despite this, Hayes admitted to harassment. She was fined £348, ordered to pay a £139 victim surcharge, and £85 in court costs, totaling over £500. The new restraining order prohibits her from contacting the Rotherhams or going to their address.
The dispute began when the Rotherhams moved into their home in the village of Urchfont in 2011, next door to Hayes, who had lived in her property since 2003. The Rotherhams described the 15-year period as "absolute hell," citing instances of Hayes spying on them, cutting holes in hedges for visibility, and throwing rotting dead moles over their garden fence. They also reported her waking them by hitting her wheelie bin at 5:45 a.m.
During the sentencing, Hayes, who represented herself, expressed remorse for the lawn mower incident, attributing the long-standing conflict to a "personality clash." She stated it occurred during a difficult period in her life due to mental health issues. However, following the sentence, Hayes remarked, "You have to remember that there are two sides to every story. She finds a way to twist everything. I will only be happy when she takes her last breath."
Mrs. Rotherham provided a victim statement expressing concern that Hayes might seek revenge, noting that Hayes had reportedly returned to the area to collect garden equipment and had made "sneering" comments while moving out. The prosecutor also noted that in February 2026, Hayes approached Mr. Rotherham while he was shopping, leaving him feeling "shocked" and "unsettled."
The village of Urchfont has received awards for being the Best Kept Village in both 2024 and 2025. Hayes has since moved to Hartgrove, Dorset. The court took Hayes's remorse into account, alongside her previous convictions, to reach its sentencing decision.