A family from River – who alleged they were the victims of vandals – have admitted making false claims against their neighbours.

Former BT engineer Graham Totterdell, 70, and his wife April, 46, of Minnis Lane, alleged they had experienced horrific vandalism since buying the property in 2012.

They claimed that the incidents began in August 2014 when the garage door was sprayed with orange paint and the area was covered in stringy foam.

Mr Totterdell said at the time: “For some unknown reason, suddenly there was a big orange spray mark on the door saying ‘UR next’ on it. We tried to get it off but in the end a new garage door had to be fitted.”

But now the couple have admitted “doing an act” tending to pervert the course of public justice by making false allegations against a neighbour.

Graham Totterdell has also admitted an harassment charge. His wife denied the charge and it was ordered to be left on the file.

The couple were granted bail until their sentencing hearing at Canterbury Crown Court in December.