Parking feud

An 80-year-old military historian was caught smashing his neighbours' cars with a scaffolding pole after a lengthy feud over parking spaces.

Neighbours' property

Alexandre Binda and his wife June had been at war with two hoteliers whose premises backed on to their mews home in Rothbury, Northumberland.

Suicidal stress

For months the couples could not come to a resolution about whose cars had priority, which left Mr and Mrs Binda feeling so stressed they considered suicide.

Hoteliers' claims

The hoteliers said the ongoing issues caused them 'depression and anxiety', which led them to moving out of the property, the court heard.

“depression and anxiety”

Military background

Decorated for his service in the Rhodesian Army, Binda was given an 18 month conditional discharge by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court who said 'there were clearly two sides' to the dispute.

“there were clearly two sides”

Criminal charges

The hotel manager and his husband were each charged with common assault against Mr and Mrs Binda following a dispute in 2024, but were cleared when the case reached court.

Attack details

However as they were awaiting their day in court Binda, the author of four books on the Rhodesian infantry, armed himself with a lengthy steel scaffolding pole and went over to the hotel.

Damage caused

He smashed up the cars he believed were encroaching on his space, causing around £4,500 damage to a van and £2,000 damage to a Range Rover.

Police involvement

He was arrested after the couple called the police while one filmed his actions, which was played before a judge at Binda's sentencing hearing before Newcastle Crown Court.

Prosecution statement

Saba Shan, prosecuting, said the hoteliers told police there had been 'issues with the defendant and his wife regarding parking because they live at the back of the hotel'.

“issues with the defendant and his wife regarding parking because they live at the back of the hotel”

Prosecution statement

Ms Shan said of the attack: 'They looked outside and saw the defendant smashing two vehicles with a metal scaffolding pole.'

“they looked outside and saw the defendant smashing two vehicles with a metal scaffolding pole”

Prosecution statement

She added: 'They went outside and the defendant continued to damage their vehicles with the pole.'

“they went outside and the defendant continued to damage their vehicles with the pole”

Victim impact

The hotel manager said in a victim impact statement: 'I feel sick about this whole situation. I feel like my hands are tied.'

“i feel sick about this whole situation. i feel like my hands are tied”

Victim impact

His husband added: 'Due to ongoing issues with the neighbours, I feel I can no longer live in my property due to the anxiety and depression it's caused.'

“due to ongoing issues with the neighbours, i feel i can no longer live in my property due to the anxiety and depression it's caused”

Sentence

Binda, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage. He must pay £1,000 compensation at £50 a month as part of his sentence.

Judge's remarks

Judge Robert Spragg told him: 'There were clearly two sides to whatever was happening and I've no doubt it was this background that led you to behave in a way that was totally out of character.'

“there were clearly two sides to whatever was happening and i've no doubt it was this background that led you to behave in a way that was totally out of character”

Judge's remarks

You were so stressed in the lead up to this incident you and your wife even considered suicide.

Defense

Nick Lane, defending, said Binda had served in the Rhodesian Army for 15 years, including in the light infantry and special air service and has since authored four books.

Defense

After moving to the UK, he worked for the prison service then the National Trust.

Defense

Mr Lane said: 'He is deeply ashamed and embarrassed that, at the age of 80, he finds himself before your honour today.'

“he is deeply ashamed and embarrassed that, at the age of eighty, he finds himself before your honour today”