Caldwells ordered to pay $27K
Judgments totaling $27,000 were directed against an embattled Cherry Lane couple who remain in a feud with the city and neighbors over their dogs.
However, the hefty judgment against Brian and Erin Caldwell had nothing to do with their dogs, but instead involved them posting a sign in their yard that defamed a neighbor to passersby.
The plaintiff, Kenny Knight, maintained the Caldwells posted a sign in their yard saying he had been seen photographing and/or filming a woman and child without their permission. Mrs. Caldwell, who appeared to defend herself in court, said she had seen her neighbor filming her without her permission, insinuating that Knight had ulterior motives for his alleged photography. Mr. Caldwell did not appear for the hearing and was found in default and assessed a $15,000 judgment. The remaining $12,000 was assessed against Mrs. Caldwell.
The sign, Knight maintained and the civil court agreed, defamed his name publicly. The court also found the sign was posted intentionally and with malice, thus allowing Knight to receive punitive damages.
The ruling came only days before a Monday hearing in which the city court ordered the dogs, a pit bull and boxer, be killed because they are a public menace. Knight testified about his 11-year-old daughter being attacked by one of the dogs during the hearing Monday. No mention was made of the civil suit.