A 75-year-old woman who was said to have stolen her neighbours' koi carp and fried them as they watched in horror has been ordered to pay more than �10,000 in damages.

Ellen Jones allegedly took the fish from the garden pond of Mark and Jane Fowler and then fried them, making sure they could see.

One of her friends, who was invited to eat the fish, then shouted: "Nice day for a fry-up" at the Fowlers.

At Lewes County Court Recorder Christopher Morris-Coole found for the Fowlers and ordered the pensioner to pay �10,200.

He also imposed an order on Miss Jones not to cause a nuisance to the Fowlers.

In duration and form the nuisance caused was substantial, let there be no doubt about that

Recorder Christopher Morris-Coole

The court was told the Fowlers and Miss Jones were engaged in a lengthy feud which started some time after the couple moved into their Surrey home in 1983.

Mr Fowler, 45, an accountant, told the court how a number of the fish went missing from the pond at their home.

When he saw Miss Jones and labourer Charlie Rashbrook eating fried food on the steps of a caravan next to her home, he said his suspicions were aroused.

Couple 'obsessed'

When Mr Rashbrook called across: "Nice day for a fry-up," it seemed to confirm his fears, he told the court.

"I thought they were eating the fish. It seemed they were doing it on purpose, I had never seen them eat a meal there before."

The court was told the Fowlers bought their property, which dates back to the 13th century, from Miss Jones in 1983.

But relations soured after claims that Miss Jones had allowed a rave and war games to take place on her land.

Michael Joy, for Miss Jones accused the couple of being "obsessed" with their neighbour.

Finding for the Fowlers, Judge Morris-Coole ordered Miss Jones to pay two thirds of the couple's costs.

He said: "In duration and form the nuisance caused was substantial, let there be no doubt."