A 47-year-old man has been handed a community order after calling his neighbour "Shrek" and damaging her fence during a drunken confrontation.
David Jones, of Brindley Ford in Staffordshire subjected his neighbours to a tirade of abuse, including calling them "psycho" during the incident last August.
The row escalated when Jones began pulling down a fence whilst shouting offensive remarks at the couple next door, before later directing racist abuse at police officers while in custody.
According to prosecutor Suzanne Swindail, the incident began at 6.30pm on August 4 when neighbours noticed their fairy lights moving. When the neighbour's partner went to investigate, she found Jones who immediately became confrontational.
Jones said his neighbour looked like Shrek in a barrage of insults
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"I am taking my property back," Jones shouted as he attempted to pull down the fence. The situation quickly deteriorated as Jones began hurling insults at the woman, calling her a "mad woman" and a "psycho" before making the hurtful comparison to Shrek.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how Jones' behaviour became increasingly threatening as the confrontation continued, reports Stoke-on-TrentLive.
"Wait until I get you on your own. I am going to smash your face in," Jones told his neighbour, according to court documents.
He further threatened: "I will smash your face into the concrete floor."
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The incident took place in Brindley Ford, Staffordshire
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During the altercation, the neighbour discovered Jones had damaged the fence and picked up a broken piece, prompting Jones to shout: "Do not hit my dog."
The court heard there was no intention from the neighbour to harm the animal. Jones eventually returned to his house before police arrived at the scene. After being arrested, Jones continued his abusive behaviour in custody, directing offensive language at police officers.
He made homophobic remarks, telling officers "You little s**g. You are a gay little b***h" while making offensive gestures. When cautioned at 11.20pm for public order offences, Jones declared: "You are gay. I am bisexual so I can say it."
The court heard he then proceeded to direct racial slurs at the officers, leading to additional charges of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
Jones later pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour alongside the racial harassment charge.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Joanne Corbett told the court Jones had struggled with alcohol addiction for several years. The court heard Jones had since joined a detox programme and had been alcohol-free for 10 weeks.
"He accepts full responsibility. His judgement was clouded by alcohol on the day in question," Corbett said.
Jones was handed a 12-month community order with a requirement to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activities. He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £114 surcharge.
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