Neighbours' feud escalated into drunken vandalism in Mansfield

Richard Adrian Bradley, 42, of George Street, admitted hurling rocks that smashed his neighbour’s back window and car windscreen on Hibbert Road in the early hours of April 20.

Robert Carr, prosecuting, said Bradley’s victim was awoken by banging at 12.30am and he called the police because he feared his home was being broken into.

“He has had long-running issues with his neighbour for ten years,” said Mr Carr. “On a number of occasions he has been outside and Mr Bradley has confronted him.”

The court heard Bradley shouted abuse when telling his neighbour to move his car.

“As a result he and his partner have been deeply upset and intimidated,” said Mr Carr.

“They consider him a bully. He didn’t think that things would escalate to this level and he has concerns about further damage.”

Bradley was last before the courts in January for a criminal damage charge.

Simon King, mitigating, said: “He hasn’t sought to diminish his responsibility. They are his actions and there’s no reason why he should behave in this manner.”

Mr King said Bradley attributed his behaviour to drink and told the court he had not touched alcohol since the incident.

“He can’t stop at one or two,” said Mr King. “He tends to binge drink and he behaves in this manner.

“There have been squabbles in the past and on this occasion he‘s been too much in drink.”

Magistrates gave Bradley a three month community order with a 9pm to 6am curfew, which will be electronically monitored.

A restraining order was imposed forbidding him from contacting his neighbour. He must also pay £85 costs, £150 compensation and a victim surcharge of £60.