A tiler from Ashgrove Manor in Portadown appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to wounding a neighbour and possessing an offensive weapon.

The incident took place on November 2 last year during an ongoing parking dispute. The victim returned home around 3pm and saw Joseph Menary approach with a spirit level. An argument led to a scuffle in which Menary struck the victim on the head, causing a laceration that needed eight staples to close.

The victim blocked a second swing, entered his house and called police. Officers took an initial statement from him at Craigavon Hospital. CCTV footage captured the event.

Menary told police he picked up the spirit level on the spur of the moment and acted in self defence. His barrister, Conor Lunny, said the actions stemmed from a loss of temper after repeated petty disputes including parking a trailer, a bin and Menary's van near the victim's driveway.

Lunny noted the victim made physical contact first, contributing to Menary's reaction. Menary has lived away from his family home since the incident due to bail conditions, except for brief visits on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The district judge described the attack as vicious and sustained, noting its considerable impact on the victim based on impact statements. The judge praised Menary's testimonials from the community.

Menary received a 10-month jail sentence suspended for two years for the wounding. A concurrent four-month suspended sentence was imposed for the offensive weapon. A two-year restraining order was also issued.