A racist pensioner left her Chinese neighbour living in fear after a campaign of hate went on for more than two years.
Elaine Wilson has now been convicted of harassment against her victim after a number of disputes between the Newcastle neighbours.
A court was told how the 69-year-old repeatedly used racial slurs against her neighbour in Kenton in rows over parking, gardening and a partition fence.
The victims recorded Wilson saying “the Chinese are known to be dirty people”, that she wouldn’t be told what to do by a “foreigner” and “yes, I’m raising my voice so they can hear”.
On another occasion the foul-mouthed pensioner was accused of using her hose pipe to spray water into her victim's garden, leaving their six-year-old King Charles spaniel dog soaking wet.
Wilson was arrested in September last year when the racial harassment came to a head and her victim reported the abuse to police.
She was charged with racial harassment and, despite showing no remorse, later admitted the offences at North Tyneside Magistrates’ court.
The pensioner was handed a 16-week suspended prison sentence and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.
A judge also fined her £500 and ordered her to take part in a rehabilitation course to address her use of racist language.
Following her conviction, Wilson’s victim paid tribute to the police officers who had put the small-minded racist before the criminal court.
She said: “I am so grateful that the police eventually got justice, got measures put in place and have helped protect us from her.
“The officers have the heart for justice and made it happen, they should be really proud for helping us.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Julie Rana, of Northumbria Police, praised the bravery of the woman for coming forward and reporting the abuse.
“The behaviour of Elaine Wilson was despicable and she has shown no remorse from the moment she stepped in to police custody,” she said.
“Her defence for her language was that she was standing on her own property and it was a private conversation.
“But she knew what she was doing and on multiple occasions used threatening and abusive language that targeted the race of her victim.
“She led a campaign of harassment that included her acting in a manner that left her victim feeling intimidated and living in a nightmare.
“I am satisfied that we have been able to secure a conviction and that the courts have recognised this behaviour as criminal.
“Being you is not a crime and nobody should be targeted for who they are. If you have been victim to a hate crime then please report it to us.”
Anyone who wants to report a hate crime can do so online at the Northumbria Police website or by calling police on 101.
