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Pembrokeshire Couple Terrorized in Neighbor Dispute: Petrol Bombs and Psychological Warfare
A couple who relocated to Pembrokeshire, Wales, seeking a tranquil existence have recounted the horrific neighbor dispute that subjected them to petrol bomb attacks and relentless psychological warfare, pushing them to the brink of suicide as their idyllic aspirations transformed into a nightmare. Richard Burton and Amanda Hutton’s pursuit of a peaceful life in the Welsh countryside became a harrowing ordeal, marked by escalating threats and intimidation from adjacent landowners.
Dream Turns to Nightmare: Rural Relocation Met With Harassment
Richard Burton and Amanda Hutton made the move from Surrey to Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 2018, hoping for a slower pace of life. For the initial year, they enjoyed their new surroundings, dedicating themselves to rewilding their land and renovating their property.
However, in 2019, their tranquility was shattered by a seemingly affable couple who acquired 36 acres of adjacent land.
“They invited us for dinner and appeared very welcoming,” Mr. Burton recalled.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Burton and Ms. Hutton purchased five acres from their new neighbors, Cassie and Francis Collins, for £25,000.
Mr. Collins accepted the payment but denied them access to the land, prompting a legal action to enforce the agreement. This legal challenge ignited a campaign of terror against Mr. Burton and Ms. Hutton, instigated by the former paratrooper.
“We felt manipulated; it was all calculated,” Mr. Burton stated. “It was our maximum financial capacity at the time – we were debt-free, mortgage-free, living what we believed was our dream.”
Escalating Threats and Intimidation Tactics
Mr. Collins bombarded the couple with over 50 malicious emails, containing threats to torch their residence, contacting Ms. Hutton’s former spouse, and even menacing their daughters.
Mr Collins (pictured) frequently stood at his neighbour’s fence wearing a balaclava and was seen carrying a crossbow
Richard Burton (pictured) and Amanda Hutton relocated from Surrey to Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 2018 seeking a more relaxed lifestyle
The barrage of malicious emails from Mr. Collins had a severe psychological impact on Ms Hutton (pictured), leading her to contemplate suicide on two occasions
Bullet holes were discovered in the windows of a bus on their property, where they resided during home renovations (pictured)
One email chillingly read: “You will forfeit everything you cherish, and I will ensure you witness it.”
Another email stated: “Prepare for the worst week of your existence, lol, I’m immensely excited. You are facing financial ruin, and worse. And you are oblivious to the reason why yet, lmao. You are defeated.”
Further emails included threats to set Ms. Hutton ablaze, murder Mr. Burton, and even attempts to incite Ms. Hutton to harm her partner.
These emails inflicted significant psychological distress on Ms. Hutton, driving her to the brink of suicide twice. Following her second attempt, she was found suffering from hyperthermia after being undiscovered for eight hours.
Mr. Burton recounted: “Amanda lived in constant fear of receiving a call informing her of harm befalling one of our daughters.”
“He devastated our lives. We considered leaving, but his actions rendered our property unsellable; it had become a war zone. We felt trapped,” he added.
“With neighbors consistently at our fence, yelling, and shining lights into our bedroom at night, we couldn’t sell without disclosing this to estate agents – he effectively devalued our home.”
“They terrorized us for the better part of a year – every moment of every day was filled with apprehension about what might happen next.”
Police Intervention and Continued Harassment
On September 11, 2021, Mr. and Mrs. Collins (pictured) were found deceased at their residence, having died by suicide in a pact
Mr. Burton and Ms. Hutton endured terror from their neighbor, who launched a petrol bomb at their property (pictured)
Law enforcement provided the couple with resources to enhance their security, including window locks, door reinforcements, frequent patrols, and aerial surveillance.
However, Mr. Collins repeatedly lodged formal complaints against specific police officers, hindering their ability to access the area and protect Mr. Burton and Ms. Hutton.
In March 2020, he escalated his attacks by throwing a petrol bomb at their home.
Mr. Burton described: “He would roam around with crossbows, wear balaclavas, and stand at the fence merely staring at Amanda —privacy became nonexistent; we worried constantly about being filmed even in the shower.”
“We experienced firebombings, window damage from projectiles, death threats, and despite police involvement, he remained unapprehended. Our only perceived recourse to ensure our safety was to acquire his land.”
Desperate Measures and Resolution
Following a 12-hour mediation, an agreement was reached, granting Mr. Burton and Ms. Hutton six months to purchase the land.
They were compelled to secure a £9,000 emergency bridging loan, incurred £29,000 in legal expenses, and obtained a £220,000 mortgage on the land – all in an effort to safeguard themselves.
“We were coerced into buying the land for our personal safety,” Mr. Burton emphasized.
A bus on Mr. Burton and Ms. Hutton’s property (pictured) – the couple have chosen to remain in Pembrokeshire and continue their rewilding efforts
Mr Collins frequently filed formal grievances against specific police officers preventing their access to the area and hindering protection for Mr Burton and Ms Hutton
Mr. Collins was eventually apprehended, and a restraining order was issued against him.
Tragic End to Neighbor Dispute
On September 11, 2021, Mr. and Mrs. Collins were discovered deceased in their home, having committed suicide in a prearranged pact.
Police contacted Mr. Burton on that day to inform him of their deaths.
He stated, “There was disbelief. I had to call back to confirm it wasn’t a hoax, and they verified the information.”
“I experienced both relief and sorrow – we both collapsed to the floor in tears.”
The couple have established a fundraiser to support their rewilding project and have chosen to remain in Pembrokeshire, continuing their land restoration initiatives.
“The land became our sanctuary, assisting us through this ordeal. We reclaimed it, and in doing so, we reclaimed our security,” Mr. Burton concluded.