Neighbour acquitted of dumping entrails

A WOMAN accused of tipping rotting chicken entrails, maggots and cockroaches down her neighbour's chimney walked free from the Old Bailey yesterday.

The jury took just over an hour to clear Linda Rosenberg, 49, of charges of affray, making threats to kill and possessing an imitation firearm.

Nicholas Coleman, for the prosecution, had alleged that Mrs Rosenberg, of Wimbledon, south-west London, blamed the Brewer family next door for the disappearance of her dog. 'She held it against them like a grudge,' he said.

In June last year, the Brewers were at home with friends playing music and watching videos, 'when there was an awful thud in the back of the fireplace and a horrible smell', he said.

Eleanor Brewer told the jury: 'It was revolting. I have never smelt a dead body but that is what I imagine one would smell like. I was actually physically sick.

'Behind the gas fire were rotting entrails of chickens and turkeys, cockroaches and maggots. It took two hours to clear up.'

Mrs Rosenberg denied responsibility and accused her neighbours of plotting against her.