AN ANGRY man attacked his neighbour after they had a row about him leaving a garden gate open and letting a pet dog get out.
Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday how Nigel Nelson, 48, of Cedar Close, Shirebrook, had opened the gate for a youngster who was visiting his neighbour Sally White’s son.
Prosecuting solicitor Becky Mahon told the court that when Ms White realised their family pet was missing she blamed Mr Nelson and he later returned, got into her home and pushed and punched her several times.
Ms Mahon said: “The complainant stated that some time later Nelson approached the kitchen window and said, ‘come on and carry on calling me what you called me earlier’.
“She said she ignored him and the defendant came into the house and he pushed her and began punching her.”
Nicola Thorpe, defending, said there was some provocation but the defendant accepts that this is no defence and he has been very remorseful and upset about what he has done.
She added: “It was a spur of the moment incident and he’s very remorseful and he has had no convictions for a considerable time.”
Nelson pleaded guilty to assault after the incident in February and District Judge Andrew Davison sentenced him to a 12 month community order including 80 hours of unpaid work and he ordered him to pay £200 compensation, a victim surcharge of £60 and £85 costs.
District Judge Davison told Nelson: “You started off being abused but your response was over the top.”