Former Chinese agent and daughter jailed for stalking Bassingham neighbours

Chen told jurors she had spent 14 years serving in the Chinese army, rising to the rank of major.

Steve Taylor, prosecuting, said a dispute followed on 18 July, when Mr Smith was trimming a front hedge outside his home.

Chen came outside to tell Mr Smith he “couldn’t trim” the hedge as it belonged to her.

Further incidents followed, the court heard, including “a racket” coming from the home of Lu and Chen on 19 August, and “loud banging” on 23 August.

The Smiths went away in late August to “try and get some respite”. However, when they returned, banging from next door commenced “within 15 minutes”, the court was told.

Videos recorded by Mr Smith, which were played in court, showed Chen and Lu “shouting derogatory abuse”, including the use of terms such as “retards”.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Smith described how the family’s 13-year stay “in a village they loved” was shattered by the arrival of Chen and Lou.

Mrs Smith said her life had changed dramatically due to the campaign of harassment from Chen and Lu.

She said she now suffered from insomnia and had also been diagnosed with mild depression and anxiety.

Passing sentence, Judge James House KC said the family were subjected to a “persistent, calculated and appalling pattern of behaviour”.

“The verbal abuse was vile,” Judge House said.

“In short, the defendants terrorised the Smith family,” he added.