Skip to main content
Legal news

Couple forced to pay out ridiculous £20,000 over “minor accident” to neighbour

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
1 min read

A couple from Prestwich, Manchester have been forced to pay out £20,000 in damages after a former neighbour sustained injuries in a minor accident outside their home.

Brendan Hodgkiss and his partner Cynthia Parker were ordered to pay the damages at Salford County Court after Foroozan Panahandeh said she suffered injuries when some plastic guttering fell onto her from three feet as she was putting out her bins. She then took out a negligence claim against her neighbours claiming that she had sustained injuries to her neck, left shoulder and knee. The action was also against Salford City Council who had owned the property at the time of the incident, though the couple later bought it under the right to buy scheme.

However a civil action against the local authority was discontinued and the judge ordered that the couple pay the £20,000 of which only £3,000 is expected to go to Ms Panahandeh with the rest being taken up by legal fees. The couple offered to pay the money back at £50 a month but the woman’s solicitors have rejected this as they say it would take 34 years for the debt to be repaid.

The couple say they are still unsure how they will pay the amount owed and they may have to resort to selling their home.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8714036/Couple-sued-by-neighbour-for-20000-over-minor-accident-outside-house.html

Client feedback

Very helpful and promptly anwsers emails as soon as.
Anonymous
Many of my family members have used Winstons Solicitors for their conyancing, over many years. I too have now used them and they did not disappoint. Samantha Robertson-Strong and Paulo Dos Santos were my main persons of contact. They were highly professional and very thorough, whilst maintaining an air of friendliness and approachability throughout. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Mr T
Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.
Zoe
Good Solicitors, helped couple times. Nice comunicion and people
Tadas
My son recently purchased a property. I had used Winston Solicitors for many years and had no hesitation in recommending them to him. Their service is outstanding; very professional yet friendly and approachable. Samantha is awesome. She always does a thorough job. Paulo, her assistant, has been an absolute pleasure to deal with as well. So a huge thumbs up and many thanks all around! - October 2025
J Thompson, Manchester
This was a stressful (and as it was a property purchase caused by divorce), very emotional. Samantha and Paulo were always very kind and patient. - October 2025
Dawn B, London
I recently used Winston Solicitors for the purchase of my first home and was extremely impressed with the service. My solicitor, Leasa, along with her assistant, Julie, were outstanding throughout the process—thorough, accommodating, and always patient in explaining each step clearly. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable, always going above and beyond to support me. I truly appreciated their professionalism and personal approach, and I would not hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone - I cannot thank you all enough. - September 2025
A Woods, Ryton
Professional & thorough throughout conveyancing process. Efficient communication & timely updates from Amr & Joe. Would not hesitate to use their services again. Highly recommend. - September 2025 
Elizabeth M, Leeds
Contact Jonathan