Imagine this: a man, let's call him Ben, decided to take matters into his own hands, quite literally, by tunneling his way into his neighbor's apartment above. But here's the twist - it's not a scene from a Hollywood movie, it's a real-life story that unfolded in Calgary.
Ben Maize, 47, found himself in a one-day trial, representing himself, charged with mischief and break-and-enter related to an incident that took place in the summer of 2025. The neighbor, who testified in court, arrived home on September 5th to an unsettling sight - her apartment locked from the inside, with holes in the drywall near the fireplace leading to a tunnel below.
"She described a scene of dust and debris, with items moved around but no apparent damage," Justice Eric Tolppanen explained. It was a bizarre and invasive act, with Ben moving items within the apartment, including a shower curtain and lingerie, and leaving a ladder in the hole connecting the two apartments.
The court heard of an escalating dispute between the neighbors, but the specifics remain a mystery. Tolppanen stated that Ben's actions interfered with the neighbor's lawful use and enjoyment of her property.
"The evidence, though largely circumstantial, was enough for the Crown to prove its case," Tolppanen said. "The intention is clear, supported by the actual mischief carried out."
Ben was found guilty of break-and-enter and mischief to property not exceeding $5,000. However, Tolppanen entered a stay of proceedings on the mischief charge, meaning Ben will only face sentencing for the break-and-enter count.
A sentencing hearing is expected to be set soon, leaving us with a thought-provoking question: What could drive someone to take such extreme measures? And is there a lesson to be learned about the importance of resolving disputes peacefully?
