Simmering neighbours' feud erupts over rubbish bag

The final straw was a dispute over a bag of rubbish, the court was told.
In the dock on Thursday, October 23, was 32-year-old Clem Robert Hill, of Gaywood Drive, Newbury.
Helen Waite, prosecuting, said the victim, Paul Dobson, had lived in his home for 14 years and that Mr Hill had moved in next door two-and-a-half years ago.
She added: “Mr Dobson has had problems ever since. There have been a number of incidents reported to police and housing officers.”
On the day in question, the court heard, Mr Dobson was putting out his rubbish bin for collection.
Ms Waite said: “He was returning to his front door when he saw a black plastic bin bag full of rubbish thrown over his fence and into his front garden. He asked Mr Hill: ‘Can you move your rubbish off my property?’ The defendant began to shout in an aggressive manner and he felt threatened. He turned towards his door.”
At this point, the court heard, Mr Hill came round, picked up the bag of rubbish and threw it at him.
Ms Waite said: “Then, as he got to his front door, he (Mr Dobson) was pushed from behind.”
The force of the blow caused Mr Dobson to stumble, injuring himself on the doorframe by cutting his left arm, magistrates were told.
Ms Waite added: “The police were called and the defendant claimed that it was his neighbour who had been harassing and abusing him. He said Mr Dobson must have caused the injuries himself.”
Mr Hill admitted assaulting Mr Dobson by beating him on October 6 this year.
The court heard he has previous convictions including one for common assault and two for causing criminal damage.
Mr Hill further admitted breaching a conditional discharge imposed for a prior offence.
Mike Davis, defending, said his client was a single father of two and admitted the latest offence on the basis that he had not caused Mr Dobson’s injuries.
He said his client maintained his victim had been nowhere near the door when he attacked him.
The prosecution did not accept this version of events but magistrates agreed to adopt it, ruling that it would not make a substantial difference to their sentence.
Mr Davis added: “Mr Dobson asked him to move the bag in fairly abusive terms. He lost his temper and pushed him.”
He said Mr Hill had been battling depression.
Magistrates adjourned the case until November 14 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
Mr Hill was bailed until then.