Richard Burton and Amanda Hutton moved from Surrey to Pembrokeshire in 2018 seeking a tranquil life in rural Wales. They settled at Fox Hill, renovating a dilapidated farmhouse while living in a converted double-decker bus. For the first time in years, they felt carefree, with their children from previous marriages grown up. Amanda described it as a "magical" period.
Neighbors Turn Hostile
Trouble began when Francis and Cassie Collins bought 36 acres of neighboring land. Initially friendly, the Collinses even treated Richard and Amanda to dinner. But after Richard and Amanda paid Francis £25,000 to purchase paddocks bordering their home, Francis pocketed the money and refused them access.
Legal proceedings ensued, and Francis launched a "terrorising" campaign. He sent dozens of disturbing emails threatening to burn down their home and issued death threats. One email read: "You will lose everything you love and I will make you watch." Another said: "You're about to have the worst week of your life, I'm so excited. You're facing bankruptcy, and worse."
Escalation to Violence
Despite the payment, no Land Registry documentation was provided. Francis bombarded them with WhatsApp images of machetes and crossbows and patrolled the land in a balaclava. He later declared the sale void but refused to return the money. He filed fraudulent reports, sabotaged their furniture restoration business, and placed bogus orders.
After civil proceedings to recover the £25,000, Francis allegedly threatened to rape and murder Amanda's daughter. Matters escalated when he threw three homemade petrol bombs at their bus at night. Richard and Amanda were asleep in the farmhouse; emergency services arrived. Hours later, Francis and Cassie stood at the property edge, staring menacingly.
Legal Outcome and Aftermath
In May 2020, Francis was charged with arson, possession of a firearm without a certificate, and stalking. The couple expected a five-year sentence, but after pleading guilty, he was released after seven months on remand. Richard told the Times: "Everyone was gobsmacked. Even the police."
A settlement was reached, and the Collinses moved to Cullompton in late 2020. In September 2021, Amanda was hoovering when police called to inform them Francis and Cassie had been found dead in a suicide pact. Cassie, who had chronic pain, took a fentanyl overdose, and Francis hanged himself. Their three dogs were euthanised.
Amanda said: "We had known them. They were trapped in a situation they didn't want to be in any more. But it was a shame they had to wreck our lives before they left."
Richard and Amanda no longer live at Fox Hill but remain nearby. They published a book titled Stalked: A Harrowing True Story of Stalking, Strength and Survival in Rural Wales.
