Paul Rector v. Elizabeth Halliburton

The residence owned by Mrs. Halliburton had no access owing to highway construction. She acquired a driveway easement from the adjoining landowner, who later sold the property to Mr. Rector. An electric service line extended across the front of Mr. Rector's property which was relocated. Mr. Rector's efforts to purchase the Halliburton property were unavailing, and he began a policy of harassment presumably to acquire the property. He claimed, inter alia, that the easement terminated because it was improperly maintained, and that NES moved the service line without his permission and hence was guilty of trespass. Mrs. Halliburton filed a counterclaim for damages, charging Mr. Rector with trespass and outrageous conduct. Mr. Rector's suit was dismissed, and the counterclaim of Mrs. Halliburton was sustained. The dismissal of Mr. Rector's suit is affirmed; the award of attorney fees to Mrs. Halliburton is reversed; the case is remanded for a determination of the damages sustained by Mrs. Halliburton, including punitive damages.