The long-standing feud took another turn in July 2023 when Sheila was surrounded by neighbors allegedly filming her during prayer
A harassment case filed against Sheila Jacklin, a British-Indian woman, and her husband, Nigel Jacklin, has been dropped by UK prosecutors. The couple faced charges after neighbors in East Sussex accused them of performing Hindu prayers on a beach, claiming the gestures were offensive and caused distress. This incident marks the latest development in a long-standing dispute between the Jacklins and their neighbors, Stephane Duckett and Norinne Betjemann.
The case, which stems from an 11-year feud, began when Duckett and his partner bought and renovated a nearby property in 2013. The Jacklins complained about noise, pollution, and verbal abuse during the construction, but were instead investigated by local authorities. Over the years, tensions escalated, with the neighbors accusing Sheila of chanting, staring at their home, and making “offensive” finger gestures as part of her Hindu prayers.
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Nigel claimed he was assaulted by a friend of their neighbors, although the accusations were disputed
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The Jacklins, after 30 years in the area, are now planning to leave their home permanently, with Nigel noting that his wife’s Hindu faith has helped her endure the prolonged conflict
The couple denied the accusations, with Sheila, 61, explaining that her actions were part of reciting Sanskrit mantras. The situation led to multiple legal investigations, but all charges were consistently dropped. This was the fourth time the Jacklins had been probed for praying on the beach, including a similar trial that collapsed in 2019.
In the latest case, the Brighton Magistrates’ Court dismissed the charges after the Crown Prosecution Service failed to present evidence. Despite the ongoing allegations, Nigel, a local councillor, criticized the case as an “abuse of police power” and expressed frustration that the matter had reached court again. The couple maintains they have been unfairly targeted, with 12 investigations launched against them without any legal consequences.
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