A driver has been jailed for three years after breaking his neighbour’s arm with a scaffolding pole in a row over a parking spot.
Charity worker Andrew Chamberlain, 50, of Blackwood, battered Daniel Morgan with the 4ft metal pole in the parking rage attack.
A court heard Chamberlain and Morgan were neighbours – and had agreed to only park outside their own homes.
But Chamberlain became “abusive and threatening” when he spotted Mr Morgan, 24, parking in his spot.
He took the large metal pole from his garden, raised it above his head and whacked Mr Morgan who blocked the blow with his arm. But it was broken in three place.
Mr Morgan told the court: “It made a hell of a thud – the pain was excruciating.
“He then brought the bar back as if he was going to hit me again.”
Chamberlain claimed he needed regular access to the house where he lives with his 82-year-old mother because she suffers from severe arthritis and he needed to assist her.
Mr Morgan said there were no official parking restrictions in the street but he would not have parked there if he’s known about Chamberlain’s mother’s health problems.
Chamberlain was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Chamberlain had 42 previous convictions including an offence of making a threat to kill.
But James Evans, defending, said he had “turned his life around” and was a volunteer worker for a charity.
Recorder Peter Griffiths told Chamberlain: “It is no pleasure for me to do the duty I have to perform.
“You have turned your life around in the past ten years. I was immensely impressed by the testimonials submitted in your behalf.”
But the judge said he had to follow sentencing guidelines and an immediate custodial sentence was inevitable.