Man jailed after violently assaulting neighbour over parking dispute

A man who violently assaulted a neighbour following a dispute over parking, then tried to flee to Spain, has been jailed.

Anthony Bert, 61, of Hove, Sussex, was sentenced to 64 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The court heard that Bert became aggressive towards his neighbour – a 50-year-old woman – after she had temporarily parked her car in a private car park while she collected some items from her garden.

After making repeated threats, Bert violently assaulted her on 23 March last year, causing significant injuries to her face and chest, before fleeing the scene.

Four months previously, in November 2020, Bert had been the subject of an emergency call from the same victim after he kicked her front door and shouted threatening and abusive language.

Bert was spoken to by police officers at the time, but the woman chose not to pursue a prosecution.

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Following the assault in March 2021, an arrest warrant was circulated for Bert and he was arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to board a flight to Spain.

Alongside the 64-month prison sentence, Bert was also issued with a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim or visiting her address.

Detective Janet Summers said: “I would like to thank the victim for her support in achieving this sentence, after what was a vicious and sustained attack.

“Violence of any kind will not be tolerated in Brighton and Hove and we are pleased to have a violent offender behind bars."

Sussex Police advised victims of crime to report online, call 101, or in an emergency dial 999.