A man smashed up his neighbour's car after a three year dispute over parking boiled over.

Matthew Edden repeatedly threw a brick at Sharon Wakefield’s blue Saab 93 smashing its windows and damaging the bodywork.

Her insurers were left with a bill for thousands of pounds to repair the damage.

They live next door to each other in Plymouth Avenue, Brighton, which is not among the city's controlled parking zones.

Edden, a plasterer, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

He was given a 12 month supervised community order and must attend four sessions run by an alcohol intervention programme.

He must also do 100 hours community service and pay Miss Wakefield £400 compensation.