Can excessive pruning cause branch loss?

[PennyACanterbury]

We have what I understand to be a Gold Crest in our North East facing garden. It is a mature tree, taller than the house. It is on the boundary of our garden and our neighbours removed all overhanging branches right up to but not including the crown. Since then the corresponding branches on our side of the fence have all fallen off. Is it possible that the tree is 'balancing' itself out due to the excessive pruning or is the loss of multiple branches more likely to be due to disease? There are no obvious signs of disease and foliage on fallen branches is green. I can upload photos another time if needed I am just keen for any thoughts sooner rather than later in case I should take urgent action. Many thanks for any advice!

[PennyACanterbury]

Well the tree was there when they bought their property...! Thank you all for te constructive feedback though, most helpful

[Bren.]

This is an argument you will often come across. I would say though, that you do have a duty to manage the trees you have on your land. If you don't, the law does allow the people to whom your trees are causing a nuisance to carry out pruning.

Your only recourse may be if,

they pruned beyond the boundry, so they cut the tree on your side of the fenceline= Criminal damage.

Pruned the trees and did not offer you the cuttings=theft.

Think these are right, someone may be along shortly to correct me.

Regardless, I can't see any way that tree is ever going to look good again.