Bickering brothers in court after Burnham Market fight over late mother's estate

A simmering feud between four brothers over their late mother’s estate erupted in violence in Burnham Market.

Lynn Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that John and Peter Bickell rowed on the village green, and Peter was later struck with a pole by Stephen Bickell, 56.

Prosecutor Michael Devaney said: “The disagreement between [the four brothers] goes back to the death of their mother. She left her estate to the four sons.”

Mr Devaney said it’s alleged there was an altercation on the village green and later, as Peter was driving his truck in narrow North Street, he had to wait for an oncoming vehicle that turned out to be driven by John, 58.

“John was angry and punched Peter in the face through the open window. John then grabbed his face hard causing Peter significant pain while shouting and swearing.

“Peter got out and John grabbed him again,” said Mr Devaney, who described Stephen then arriving in another vehicle.

“Stephen then walked up to the rear of John’s vehicle and took out a pole. Stephen then struck Peter with the pole twice in the ribs.”

Stephen and John appeared together at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Stephen, of The Common, South Creake, pleaded guilty to assault by beating. John, of Mill Road, Burnham Overy Town, denied the same charge.

Andrew Cogan, representing beef farmer John, said the distribution of property had caused a large rift in the family.

“There’s more to this than meets the eye,” he added. “In fact the dispute probably goes back further than the death of their mother.”

Mr Cogan said John claims he was assaulted on the green.

He added that his client does accept that he later tried to strike Peter as a result of the earlier incident but there was no contact because Peter “cowered away” to the passenger side of his vehicle.

John’s trial was set for October 5 and Stephen will be sentenced on the same day after its completion.