Polytunnel row between neighbours sparked bike arson (From This is The West Country)

Polytunnel row between neighbours sparked bike arson

8:00am Sunday 9th September 2012 in Cornwall

A ROW between neighbours over a plastic polytunnel led to a pushbike being set on fire, Truro magistrates heard.

Neil Williams, 56, of Ventongimps, Callestick, pleaded guilty to arson and breaching a drink banning order.

An additional charge of assaulting Philip Jane on August 20 was dropped.

Alison May for the CPS said there had been difficulties with others living at the same address as defendant, including the bike's owner, Deborah Woodman.

On August 18 her bike was found on fire and there was a report that Wiliams had been seen running away, calling: “This is a warning for Deborah.”

When he was arrested, he admitted burning a tyre on the bike saying he had drunk a bottle of port beforehand. He described difficulties he alleged he and his partner had been having with Ms Woodman which led him to reach breaking point and commit the offence. On August 23, he breached the drink banning order and was found drunk at Perranporth.

He had drink-related previous convictions.

Martin Pearce, Williams' solicitor, said his client was very remorseful. He alleged Ms Woodman's behaviour was anti-social and she had wanted him to leave the property. The final straw was when she allegedly threatened to burn down his poly tunnel while carrying a can of petrol in her hand. She left and he picked up the can she dropped and started the fire on her tyre.

The case was adjourned until September 28 to allow an alcohol treatment assessment to be made on Williams.