North London Woman Destroyed Wisteria and Hit Neighbour With Crutch

A North London woman destroyed a neighbour's wisteria before hitting her with a crutch.

Atidel Boutari Cook, 50, of Stanhope Gardens, Tottenham, denied offences of criminal damage and assault by beating, but was convicted following an earlier trial at Highbury Magistrates' Court.

She was sentenced by the same court on Wednesday, 6th May 2026.

District Judge Denis Brennan, sentencing, heard that the complainant, Pei Wong, owns the freehold of the property in which both her and Boutari Cook live. Ms Wong lives in an upstairs flat with her husband, Louis Scott, whereas Boutari Cook lives in the ground floor flat directly beneath.

On Wednesday, 17th December 2025 Ms Wong's attention was drawn to outside activity, which she went downstairs to investigate with Mr Scott. Upon opening the door they discovered Boutari Cook cutting back a wisteria plant in the garden and asked her to stop.

Boutari Cook became agitated when she noticed that Ms Wong was recording evidence of the damage using her mobile phone. The 50-year-old, who has mobility problems, became aggressive and used a crutch to strike Ms Wong's head and chest.

At trial Boutari Cook unsuccessfully argued that the front garden, therefore wisteria, belonged to her. The assault was captured in Ms Wong's footage.

Ms Wong told the court that the experience had left her emotionally exhausted, intimidated and feeling trapped in her own home.

DJ Brennan was of the view that Boutari Cook's offences were serious enough to merit the imposition of a community order.

She was made subject to 12-month community order with 15 days' rehabilitation activity requirement.

Boutari Cook was also ordered to pay Ms Wong £500 in compensation.

DJ Brennan also imposed a 5-year restraining order, which prohibits Boutari Cook from all contact with Ms Wong and Mr Scott, save for that in relation to property maintenance or via a solicitor.

Asked if she understood the terms of the order, Boutari Cook, who was unrepresented, replied "absolutely, yep".

Despite that acknowledgement, the nuisance neighbour directed comments towards the couple, who were sat observing in the public gallery.

She said to them: "Happy? I will send it (the compensation) to you all in one go, so you can go on holiday."

DJ Brennan interjected: "I warn you Ms Boutara Cook that that is immediately a breach of the restraining order."

Creating articles can be thirsty work:

If you have found this article entertaining or informative then you can show your appreciation by buying a coffee.