A MULTIMILLIONAIRE couple are locked in a bitter feud with their neighbour who allegedly set fire to a fence and abused their rich pals.
Mark Randolph Dyer and wife Clare are suing 79-year-old David Baker, claiming he has subjected them to "25 years' harassment".
Tensions reached a head when the boundary fence separating their lavish homes in Surrey was allegedly set alight in June 2021.
The couple are seeking a permanent injunction against Baker after being granted an interim order banning him from piling "combustible or explosive materials" near or against the wooden fence.
They have also launched a legal bid to find their neighbour in contempt of court, which could lead to a prison sentence.
But Baker has "strenuously" denied setting the fence on fire and says the couple are "utterly unreasonable".
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The High Court heard how property developer Dyer moved into the home near Guildford with Claire in 1997.
They have since made 37 planning applications to the £2.6million house, which boasts a tennis court and swimming pool, and a large field at the back of their garden.
In 2007,the couple clashed with the council after they erected a "permanent" helipad in the field.
They claim Baker has waged a campaign of harassment against them ever since they moved in 25 years ago.
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Their lawyer Matthew Haynes said this has culminated in Clare becoming too "distressed" to leave the house.
He added: "Historical issues have related to the poisoning of dogs and trees, malicious letters and phone calls, abuse to visitors arriving by helicopter (and) rubbish such as tyres and Tango can(s) put in the field.
"After a period of calm from 2012, matters culminated on 6 June 2021 when Mr Baker deliberately set fire to the boundary fence between the parties’ properties – and it was only fortuitous that Mrs Dyer was present to take steps to extinguish it."
Mr Haynes also claimed there are photos showing "combustible or explosive materials" stored within 3m of the fence in spite of the temporary injunction.
But Baker's barrister Lina Mattsson told the court these were "false allegations".
She also successfully argued the High Court claim should be delayed until the end of the injunction case, which is being held at county court.
This means the Dyers will have to pay Baker's £6,750 costs of the hearing on top of the £20,000 they have spent themselves.
The lawyer said: "Mr Baker strenuously denies doing this and there is not a shred of evidence to support the allegation which appears to be based on pure conjecture.
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"It is Mr Baker's case that the historic claims against him are untrue and spurious."
The case was adjourned until a later date.
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