She may look like a frail old grandmother but in reality this 87-year-old is Sutton’s oldest antisocial granny.

Cheam’s Margaret Perry, 87, was at Croydon Magistrates’ Court after she insulted her neighbour while he was trimming her hydrangea plant.

It is the latest in a long line of erratic behaviour from Perry, who became the subject of a restraining order in August last year after becoming the blight of her neighbours’ lives.

Prosecutor Sue Obeney told the court Perry, of Gainsborough Terrace, had previously stolen pot plants, told her Irish neighbours to go back to where they came from, and even thrown water over a visiting workman before chasing him with a broom.

She appeared in court on Wednesday for harassment after shouting obscenities at her neighbour who was cutting her “pride and joy”.

It was in breach of a restraining in April 2011 following her antisocial behaviour and she pleaded guilty to the offence.

In the latest incident in August, Perry launched a 20-minute rant at neighbours Brian and Marion Kelly, where she threatened to cut her neighbours’ internet cable, which she had confused for a water pipe, the court heard.

Perry, a former Greater London Council employee, denied shouting abuse at her neighbour, but admitted asking him what he was doing to her hydrangea, therefore breaching the order.

During the hearing, chairman of the bench magistrate Maureen Pool was forced to tell the octogenarian to keep quiet after continued outbursts in court.

Perry, clearly distressed, pleaded with the bench: “What am I supposed to do? He cut my flowers.”

After it was explained to her that she could not speak to her neighbours, she questioned the bench: “I mustn’t say a word and they can do what they want?”

Mrs Pool told Perry: “You can not go around breaking the law, even if you are 87. “Your neighbours have the right to live in peace and tranquillity. This must stop. Get on with your own life and let them get on with theirs.”

Perry will be sentenced on April 25.