A former policeman who accessed the police database to then impersonate a neighbour and call in a noise complaint was found not guilty by a jury on Friday.
William Stuart Anson Bonner, 56, was facing charges of unlawfully accessing the police database and dishonestly influencing a public official.
However, Mr Bonner had claimed he was acting in self defence to protect his family who he said had been terrorised by neighbours who threw all-night parties and allowed dogs to bark constantly.
Mr Bonner was on duty when he made the call, while his wife and daughter were home alone and he received a distressed call from his wife.
The neighbours were hosting a Halloween party at their Nicholls residence in 2014 when Mr Bonner said he became fearful for his wife and daughter's safety as tensions between the neighbours had been mounting.
The family had made complaints to police and had had rubbish thrown over the fence, paint smeared on a freshly painted wall and the neighbours would often loudly sing their favourite song, "F--k you Stu", referencing Mr Bonner.
Mr Bonner held fears the behaviour could escalate to violence and his defence to the charges was that in the context of these simmering tensions the course of action he took constituted self defence towards his family.
The jury found him not guilty of both charges, agreeing that with Mr Bonner's perception of the situation his actions were justified as self defence.
When the verdict was read out members of Mr Bonner's family and supporters began to cry with relief.
Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson thanked the jury and then discharged Mr Bonner.
Once she had left the court, Mr Bonner's wife walked directly up to a member of the prosecution, pointed at her and said "shame on you".
Mr Bonner faced trial for the matter earlier this year which resulted in a hung jury.
