Man punched by his neighbour during a row over a borrowed lawnmower

A 52 year old Derry man has been found guilty of hitting his neighbour in the face after he asked for his lawnmower back.

Kevin Forbes, of Mangan Court, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court charged with common assault.

Forbes contested the charge and both he and the injured party, who is his next door neighbour, gave evidence to the court.

The injured party said that on July 5 last at around 11.45am he called to Forbes’ home to get his lawnmower that was stored in the defendant’s shed.

When Forbes answered the door he asked for the lawnmower back and Forbes said to him, “You expect me to go and get the lawnmower?”

He said he was then hit on the mouth and nose by Forbes, causing a busted nose, and fell back into the garden.

See Monday's Derry News for more details on this case.