A MOTHER and daughter have been found guilty of the homophobic harassment of a gay couple in an "idyllic" village.

Canterbury magistrates told Karen Reeves, 44, and Christie Myles, 22, that evidence of homophobic abuse against Michael Harris and Shires Crichton over a seven-month period last year was “compelling.”

Chairmen of the bench, Roger Scrase, told the women their defence had not been “credible or convincing” and told Reeves she could face jail when the pair are sentenced on April 24.

Reeves, 44, and Myles, 22, both of The Halt, Whitstable, denied using homophobic abuse and using offensive language and sticking their fingers up at the men.

Unemplyed Reeves also denied driving a car at Mr Crichton and Myles denied filming Mr Harris while unloading a conservatory close to his home in Kingston last October.

After the verdicts Mr Crichton and Mr Harris said life was “like a honeymoon” again after their 18-month homophobic “nightmare.”

For full story and reaction, see Thursday's Kentish Gazette.