Leominster Man Fined For Messy Yard, Charged With Hitting His Wife

LEOMINSTER (CBS) -The Leominster man who has been asked to clean up his yard or pay a fine now faces accusations he hit his wife.

Archie Plette pleaded not guilty Monday to charges he hit his wife after she testified in housing court and vowed to clean up the yard.

He is charged with assault and battery and witness intimidation.

The city is fining the Plettes $100 a day every day the yard goes un-touched.

Police say Saturday morning, Plette shoved, slapped and placed a choke hold on his wife after finding out she testified in housing court.

Plette allegedly took her car keys and prevented her from calling 911.

He says he fixes up the old equipment and other items to sell them, but the city says it all has to go.

Plette says he is a "picker," not a hoarder or junk collector. Outboard motors, boats, old cars, file cabinets and lawnmowers litter the yard. He calls them his toys. The city has ruled it a nuisance.

Plette is due back in court on April 22.