Darren Gore slapped his neighbor after a parking dispute. It occurred after his sons parked near the victim’s gate.
The victim was home watching TV. Gore’s sons parked a MINI nearby on January 2 in Purton, near the victim’s home. He asked them to move the car, worried about gate access, and called them names before they went inside.
The boys returned, one with a crowbar, and argued about gate space. Gore joined them outside. The victim called them names again as they walked back home.
Gore suddenly leaned over the fence and slapped the victim’s face after the victim said he wasn’t scared. Police arrived after they were called.
Gore said his sons often park nearby, and he dislikes them parking there. He said the victim insulted them and claimed self-defense for the slap, feeling something on his face.
A lawyer, Ms. Dunne, stated that Gore’s sons, 18 and 19, have ADHD, and Gore felt provoked by the victim, knowing he reacted poorly. Dunne said the teenagers parked legally, and police often respond to parking issues.
The family risks losing housing because of it, as it is a social housing property. Judge Dickens addressed Gore directly, calling it a messy situation and said he was treated badly.
She understood his swift reaction and noted that thankfully, no serious injuries occurred. The judge gave Gore a conditional discharge that lasts for one year from the incident. He’ll be sentenced for this if he offends again. He does not need to pay costs or damages, but he must pay a £26 surcharge.