Attacker is snared by own mobile

A feud between neighbours came to a climax when one was caught by footage on his own phone.
Blackpool Magistrates' CourtBlackpool Magistrates' Court
Blackpool Magistrates' Court

James Douglas filmed himself on his mobile as he attacked his neighbour’s car with a hammer while wearing a mask made famous by the vigilante in the film V for Vendetta.

When interviewed by police, Douglas denied causing the damage but officers had seized his phone and when they played the footage back to him he confessed.

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Douglas, 35, of Dinmore Avenue, Grange Park, pleaded guilty to causing damage.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £75 compensation by Blackpool magistrates.

Prosecutor Martine Connah said Douglas’ neighbour heard loud banging noises outside and saw his car’s windscreen and passenger door window had been smashed on August 1, at 11pm.

He viewed his property’s CCTV which showed a masked man taking swings with an implement at the car. A hammer wrapped in a carrier bag was found inside.

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Stephen Duffy, defending, said the feud started after the neighbours fell out and there had been a long line of tit-for-tat incidents between them.

The court heard police cautioned the neighbour, who agreed to pay Douglas £100 compensation, over a separate incident involving fireworks.

The defence added: “The compensation Douglas will have to pay his neighbour will no doubt come out of that.”