A couple who shone high-powered torches into the windows of their neighbours' home during a long-running row over a security light have been ordered to keep away from the victims for two years.

David Barnatt, 71, and Jeanette Obertelli, 66, both of Green Close in Charlton Marshall, were convicted of harassing Alison and Simon Morgan following a trial at Poole Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

Mr and Mrs Morgan said the couple shone a torch through the landing window late at night while out walking their dog. The defendants also behaved abusively, with Obertelli flicking the V-sign and swearing, it was claimed.

Obertelli and Barnatt, a bus driver, denied the allegations, but were found guilty of conducting a campaign of harassment between August 19 2017 and February 2 2018.

Prosecutors said the pair ‘repeatedly shone torches into the victims' windows during the hours of darkness and acted in an abusive manner by shouting, swearing and making offensive gestures'.

The row broke out after the Morgans installed a security light and CCTV cameras on the advice of the police after their cars were damaged.

Mr Morgan, who is a cancer patient in remission, told the court: “We first started noticing lights up at the windows, a torch light being shone up at the landing window which came through and illuminated our bedroom.

"The torch is so bright and powerful, it's like someone has turned the bedroom light on.”

Mr and Mrs Morgan have lived at the property for ten years with their son, 20. Mr Morgan told the court he and his wife were advised by police to install CCTV cameras and "dusk till dawn" security lights after their cars were repeatedly vandalised.

The court was also shown CCTV footage, taken from the four cameras at the Morgan’s home, which showed a torch being shone into their home. Further footage showed someone walking a dog with a torch pointing along the street.

Both of the defendants have been issued with a two-year restraining order which prevents them from contacting the victims or shining a torch onto their home.

Obertelli was fined £315, while Barnatt was fined £525. A total of £400 compensation was ordered.