A man who punched his neighbour after a row over loud music has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison.

Anthony David Thompson also pushed the man with a crowbar during the lockdown spat on January 8 in Cullyn Avenue, Anagh Coar.

The 62-year-old pleaded guilty to common assault, possessing an offensive weapon and breaching Covid-19 restrictions.

The court heard that the victim suffered grazes and a bump to his forehead during the assault and was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Thompson was said to have breached the Covid-19 restrictions in force at the time by leaving his home and confronting his noisy neighbour.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also ordered Thompson to pay £500 compensation to the man.

Defence advocate James Peterson said: ’Mr Thompson would describe this offending as very much a moment of madness on his part, but one which arose out of a long period of difficulties with his neighbour.

’Mr Thompson had problems with him playing loud music and he snapped and decided to take matters into his own hands.

’He didn’t intend harm at the outset. His intent was to stop the music from playing.

’He knows he should have called the police if he was having difficulties. Fortunately the injuries were minor.’

Mr Peterson went on to say that his client had spent six weeks on remand, the equivalent of a 12-week sentence and that he intended to find alternative accommodation upon his release.

The advocate said that Thompson had limited income as he was on benefits which would have stopped while he was on remand.

A probation report assessed Thompson as a low risk of harm to others and of reoffending.

A basis of plea was entered in which Thompson said he had not taken the crowbar out to strike the man and that there had only been two punches to his head.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes queried Thompson’s comments to probation as a report said that he would refuse to pay any compensation to the man.

Mr Peterson said that there was still a degree of bad feeling between the men.

Mrs Hughes ordered Thompson to also pay £125 prosecution costs, which he will pay along with the compensation at a rate of £10 per week.

The High Bailiff also warned Thompson that he could face an additional 35 days in prison in default of payment if he did not pay the compensation.