Southampton pensioner Sally Beaney accused of poisoning neighbour with ant killer in row over shared driveway

A 75-year-old woman appeared in court accused of poisoning her neighbor with an ant killer during a fight over their shared driveway.

Sally Beaney, of Southampton, Hants, is accused of “maliciously” poisoning the man as part of a campaign targeting him.

He is also accused of harassing the man by repeatedly parking his car to block access to his home.

The court heard it was alleged that planters, wooden structures and other obstructions were placed in shared driveways to prevent access.

Beaney, of Southampton, Hants, is alleged to have placed signs on the barriers accusing the man of intimidating delivery drivers.

The woman, who made her first appearance at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, was charged with maliciously using ant killer to poison a man “with intent to injure, victimize or disturb” him on October 13, 2025.

He is also accused of harassing the same man without violence between August 6 and November 11, 2025.

Beaney accuses the man of trespassing and wrongdoing by posting signs on or near barriers in the shared driveway, harassing, threatening or intimidating delivery drivers and other service providers who came to his address.

The court heard the woman was accused of making obscene gestures towards the man and his family, including a child, as they walked together.

Beaney, who appeared in court wearing a black jacket, spoke only to confirm his name.

No defense was made at this stage as the poisoning charge could only be heard in the crown court.

Speaking to Beaney, District Judge Anthony Callaway said: “This matter needs to go to the Crown Court. “I think you were well informed before you made that decision.

“As I have stated, I will release you to the Crown Court on unconditional bail.”

He gave Beaney unconditional bail to appear at Southampton Crown Court in May.