A Calgary resident, Ben Maize, took charge of his own legal proceedings on Monday, facing charges of mischief and break-and-enter. The incident occurred in the summer of 2025 when Maize and his neighbor, Betty Golightly, resided in the same condominium complex in Coach Hill. Golightly testified that upon returning home on September 5, she found her apartment locked from the inside. To her surprise, she discovered holes near her fireplace that seemed to connect to a tunnel leading to the unit below.
Prior to this event, Golightly and Maize had been embroiled in a neighborly dispute, although specific details were not extensively disclosed during the brief trial. Golightly mentioned an incident on July 10 when she heard what she believed to be loud banging coming from Maize’s ceiling. She described feeling followed by the noise wherever she went within her apartment.
Another encounter between Golightly and Maize occurred at her doorstep on August 2, during which Golightly recorded a conversation without revealing its contents in court. Golightly expressed feeling unsafe due to her neighbor’s actions and stated that she had been intermittently staying with family.
Maize stood as his own legal representation during the trial, with a court-appointed lawyer questioning Golightly to avoid direct confrontation. Maize argued in his defense, highlighting the recent renovations in the building and the presence of construction workers who could have accessed the units. He emphasized the lack of evidence tying him to the alleged break-in and property damage.
Prosecutor Petter Hurich noted the contentious relationship between the parties and the unusual circumstances surrounding the tunneling incident. Hurich suggested that the passageway was likely created by someone with access to both residences. The case now awaits a decision from Justice Eric Tolppanen in the following weeks.