Mum and daughter jailed for terrifying neighbours with creepy song

In March 2023, Susan Chen, 61, and her daughter Linda Lu, 35, moved into a rented semi-detached home in Bassingham village, Lincolnshire, England. Following their move, they engaged in a pattern of antisocial behavior directed at their neighbors, James and Lynn Smith, which continued for three months. This behavior included loud noises, playing music, shouting, and laughing, which was captured on camera. Chen also directed a torch into the Smiths' home for an extended period at night, smashed bottles against the fence, and followed the family outside, all actions deemed as stalking by the court. The Smiths described their declining quality of life due to the harassment, stating they felt compelled to leave their home of 12 years. Mrs. Smith required counseling, and both she and her husband sought medication for the distress caused by Chen and Lu's actions. Despite their claims of victimhood, the judge dismissed their defense as delusional. The judge’s comments highlighted the severity of Chen and Lu's actions, characterizing them as persistent and malicious. The court found both women guilty of stalking after a five-week trial where they represented themselves, making the proceedings challenging. The judge sentenced Susan Chen and Linda Lu to five-and-a-half years in prison, of which they must serve half before being eligible for release. Additionally, he imposed an indeterminate restraining order that prohibits them from entering Bassingham, emphasizing the importance of protecting the victims from further harassment. This case has not only revealed individual acts of harassment but has also raised concerns regarding the psychological effects of persistent bullying on victims. In response to the couple's behavior, Mr. Smith expressed disbelief at their motives and questioned why anyone would find pleasure in inflicting distress on their neighbors. The Smiths tried to maintain their dignity in the face of relentless harassment while the emotional and mental toll of the actions took a significant impact on their lives. This incident highlights an alarming case of neighborly relations gone awry, where what started as a supposed neighbor dispute escalated into severe acting out by Chen and Lu, resulting in criminal charges. The community response to this case underscores the collective outrage over such invasive behaviors and the subsequent legal repercussions for those who engage in them.