A 47-year-old woman is facing harassment and stalking allegations from three separate individuals following a dispute at a pub in Brighton Marina.
Anne-Marie Hughes, of Hove, has denied two counts of harassment and one count of stalking at Brighton Magistrates Court.
The prosecution, led by Stuart Allen, outlined the case against her, with three complainants having come forward with allegations.
The court was told that between May 5 and June 23, 2025, Hughes was accused of stalking Elizabeth Chadsey, a former neighbour.
Chadsey, who is originally from Canada, described how she encountered Hughes when both lived as neighbours at Brighton Marina.
According to Chadsey’s testimony, Hughes initially appeared approachable and helped introduce her to other residents in the area, particularly regulars at the Master Mariner pub.
Chadsey stated she opted to maintain a cordial relationship without pursuing a closer friendship.
She explained that Hughes continued to invite her to social gatherings outside the marina, though Chadsey routinely declined these invitations.
On April 30, 2025, Chadsey recounted being at the pub alongside Hughes, Samuel James who managed the establishment, and others.
She described how James made a comment about the difficulty of securing a GP appointment, suggesting that having employment meant not being available to spend time on benefits.
Chadsey stated that Hughes appeared unbothered by the remark at that moment.
Chadsey told the court that it subsequently became apparent Hughes had taken umbrage at the joke.
The following day, while Chadsey was at work, she received messages from Hughes requesting her backing regarding the comment.
Chadsey said she declined to participate, noting that while she understood if Hughes felt insulted, she was occupied with her job and could not engage with the matter.
Chadsey described how Hughes subsequently began telephoning her and leaving voice messages.
Some of these communications referenced Hughes’s former partner having been unfaithful.
Chadsey stated she blocked Hughes’s number but ultimately had to remove her voicemail inbox entirely as Hughes continued leaving messages there.
Chadsey told the court she learned of threats Hughes was allegedly making against her through Samuel.
According to Chadsey, Hughes threatened to arrange her eviction and her removal from the country, while also accusing her of smuggling narcotics into the United Kingdom.
Chadsey said Hughes further claimed she suffered from an eating disorder and was engaging in self-harm.
Chadsey explained that Hughes alleged she possessed a cat despite not being permitted to keep pets under her rental agreement.
Chadsey clarified she had looked after a friend’s pet temporarily, which was not an arrangement of a permanent nature.
Chadsey added that when she first arrived in the country, she had mentioned in conversation that she had inadvertently brought a cannabis vaping device, which is permitted in Canada.
She said Hughes threatened to report her to law enforcement for drug smuggling to secure her deportation.
Chadsey stated she subsequently discarded the device.
Chadsey further described how Hughes contacted a member of a local musical group, under the impression Chadsey was romantically involved with one of the musicians, to accuse her of infidelity.
Alastair Douglas, representing Hughes, questioned Chadsey about certain responses she had made to Hughes’s communications.
He directed attention to multiple instances where Hughes had requested Chadsey cease contacting her.
Chadsey confirmed that Hughes had communicated this repeatedly throughout their exchanges, but that Hughes nevertheless continued to reach out.
Mr Douglas drew attention to messages that referred to Hughes as a tragic, isolated older woman or delusional.
Chadsey acknowledged sending these messages, acknowledging that her frustration had led her to behave in a human manner.
Douglas further alleged that Chadsey and other individuals had labelled Hughes Baby Reindeer, a reference to the television drama examining stalking-related themes.
Chadsey stated she believed several people had used that particular epithet.
Mr Douglas submitted that on multiple occasions Hughes had attempted to create distance from Chadsey, a contention the complainant disputed.
He alleged that Chadsey had deliberately responded to WhatsApp communications with laughing emoji before removing them to provoke a reaction from Hughes.
Hughes denies all charges brought against her.
The proceedings remain ongoing.