An investigation by the Land Registry concluded that Farthing's actions were repeated and not merely a knee-jerk reaction. Samantha Williams lodged a complaint in June 2023, alleging that Farthing misused his position to influence others against her on social media and accessed Land Registry records to obtain information about her and her husband's farm property. She also accused him of abusive calls and social media posts, and of making false allegations to her school and the police. Farthing used his position to access and share details of how Williams and her husband held the beneficial interest in their farm.
Farthing began working as an Assistant Land Registrar in April 2022, handling legal issues. During his employment, he sustained a traumatic brain injury and also suffered from anxiety. He argued that his brain injury caused emotional lability, leading him to react impulsively, and that this should be considered.
A breakdown in the business relationship between Farthing and Williams in late 2022 led to mutual accusations of harassment and bullying, with police issuing Farthing a letter of non-trespass on her property. Farthing said on social media that Williams' father-in-law was a convicted nonce who had served jail time for this and urged people to watch their kids carefully. He did not dispute the actions he was accused of.