A builder who drove his van at a neighbour in a long-running feud was spared jail yesterday after a judge was told he had a "heart of gold".

A bank manager and leisure centre boss were among 13 of Mark Collins' friends who gave testimony at Hove Crown Court.

Collins, 30, of Downsview Road, Portslade, was found guilty of a charge of dangerous driving earlier this month and warned he faced a substantial prison term.

After hearing and reading the tributes the judge agreed to sentence him a combination of 200 hours' community punishment, £500 compensation and an 18-month driving ban.

The court heard there was "bad feeling" between Collins and his neighbour.

Neil Mercer, prosecuting, told the court how the neighbour was getting out of a cab in Hove in November last year.

Collins drove past and "on impulse", turned around and drove straight at his neighbour, he said.

The court heard the neighbour was only just able to jump out of the way.

Sarah Wood, defending, said Collins' actions were out of character.

Leisure centre manager Simon Thompson said: "He has got a heart of gold and will help anyone out."

Judge Thomas Joseph said Collins had used his car as a weapon and he had considered a lengthy prison sentence.

He added: "I have to accept what you did was an impulsive action and out of character."

Collins was also ordered to pay £820 court costs.