AN 81-YEAR-OLD neighbour from hell has been jailed for repeated breaches of an anti-social behaviour order.

Blackburn magistrates heard how William Seed known as ‘Bill’ had “tormented” his neighbours for more than five years.

In a victim impact statement read to the court William Maxwell described his family’s treatment as ‘soul destroying’.

“Our neighbour’s despicable behaviour is matched by our despair,” said Mr Maxwell. “Little has changed despite time consuming and costly interventions. We have done all that has been asked of us, keeping calm and going through the courts only for one last chance to be given time after time.”

District Judge Maggie McCormack decided there were no more chances for Seed, of Higher Road, Longridge.

She activated suspended prison sentences imposed in June and July and added four weeks for the latest breach of ASBO making a total of 20 weeks.

As he was lead away Seed said: “They baited me like they were baiting a mouse trap.”

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said the latest incident involved Seed using foul and abusive language towards Mr Maxwell, who had been doing odd jobs around his home on a Saturday.

“Mr Maxwell said he didn’t enter into any verbal altercation with Mr Seed but as a result of the foul and abusive language aimed at him he felt alarmed and distressed,” said Mrs Geldard.

Seed refused to be represented by a solicitor claiming he had been let down by them in the past. He first attracted national media interest when he admitted trapping cats and killing them.