EVICTION FEATURE: TOOTHILL breathed a sigh of relief when the Grouvels were given the push by Swindon Council five-and-a-half years ago.
The family from Deerhurst Way were accused of a catalogue of nuisance, including bullying, making noise into the early hours, vandalism, throwing bricks at neighbours' windows and playing with air rifles.
In September 1998 Swindon County Court upheld more than 200 allegations against parents Tony and Shirley.
Neighbours said that there were up to nine children menacing the area although only two, Adam and Anthony, lived at home.
Despite the string of accusations, and most of the residents of Deerhurst Way appearing in court to give evidence, the Grouvels continued to plead their innocence.
Speaking days after the eviction notice was served, Mr Grouvel said his life was in ruins and that the family had been far from the "neighbours in hell" image.
He said his wife had left him and only a minority of other residents had been behind the eviction process.
The couple's charity work had been overlooked, he said his wife organised fundraising line dances while he took disabled children fishing.
The Grouvels were featured in the second episode of ITV's Neighbours from Hell programme in January 1999.
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