Sunderland neighbour smashed car with hammer '“ because he disagreed with how it was parked

Martin Turnbull, 37, grabbed the hammer from the boot of his car, on February 3, and threatened to smash it up, if he did not move it, Sunderland magistrates heard.

Prosecutor Paul Doney said the defendant the smashed a window so violently that the hammer landed on the passenger seat.

He then opened the door of the car, parked in Kings Terrace, Millfield, retrieved the hammer and put it back in his boot.

Turnbull, now of Onslow Street, Pallion, pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

Gerry Armstrong, defending, said problems arose when the man moved in, in December, and started parking in his space.

“There had been quite a few heated exchanges,” he said. “He has avoided the injured party and has now moved addresses.”

Turnbull was ordered to pay £100 in compensation and £50 costs.