A WEST Devon man attacked a neighbour's van with a sledgehammer for blocking in his mother-in-law's car, Exeter Magistrates Court this week heard.

Stephen Williams, of Whiddon Down, reacted angrily when his disabled mother-in-law asked the neighbour to move his van to let her out.

Magistrates heard he gave her a 'barrage of abuse' when 31-year-old Mr Williams confronted him twice and there was a heated verbal exchange.

But then Mr Williams grabbed his sledgehammer and smashed the windscreen and side windows of the neighbour's Astra van.

Prosecutor Simon Jarvis told Exeter magistrates court: 'The argument was between two men in relation to parking in a small cul-de-sac.

Mr Woodley said: 'He does regret losing his temper but he was not the instigator.'

Mr Williams admitted causing criminal damage and was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £285 in compensation and costs.

A second charge of assault was withdrawn by the Crown.