Home / Crime and Justice / 'Gypsy King's' Son Accused of Terrorizing Neighbors in Leafy Village
'Gypsy King's' Son Accused of Terrorizing Neighbors in Leafy Village
28 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Frank Tomney Jr. and family moved caravans and horses onto land near protected woodland
- Neighbor David McCorquordale claims he was assaulted by Tomney's associates
- Over 1,300 complaints sent to council about the traveler site over the years
As of September 29th, 2025, the son of a self-styled 'gypsy king' is facing accusations of terrorizing his neighbors after setting up a traveler site outside a leafy village five years ago.
Frank Tomney Jr., 35, and his family moved static caravans and horses onto a paddock next to ancient woodland in Charlwood, Surrey, and successfully applied for a three-year temporary planning permission, which has now expired. Neighbor David McCorquordale, a retired Army Air Corps and British Airways pilot, claims Tomney has made his life and that of other locals "hell" since then.
Last month, McCorquordale alleges he was assaulted by a group of Tomney's associates, who reportedly drove a car at him and threatened him with an angle grinder. Over the years, the council has received over 1,300 letters of complaint about the traveler site, and McCorquordale has spent over £30,000 on CCTV to monitor the situation.
Despite the ongoing issues, local officials have recommended granting the traveler site permanent planning permission, much to the outrage of McCorquordale and other neighbors. The site is located adjacent to a protected woodland area, adding to the controversy. Tomney, whose social media shows him living a lavish lifestyle, has not been seen since the alleged assault and has not responded to requests for comment.
