A FORMER Desert Rat from Abergavenny was found guilty of harassing his neighbour, by town magistrates yesterday.

Kenneth Cox, 82, of Brook Cottage, The Bont, Cross Ash, denied verbally assaulting John Wide, of White Cottage, and throwing rocks and a liquid at him.

But Cox (pictured) was convicted and given a 12-month conditional discharge and had a restraining order imposed on him.

Mr Wide, speaking after the hearing, said: "After five years of constant harassment by this man, against not just myself but my partner, I feel and hope justice has been done today."

Cox had told the court how he was frightened of Mr Wide and that he lived in fear of him.

He said of the allegations of verbal assault and throwing rocks, that he was cleaning out chicken bowls when Mr Wide started shouting abuse at him and ran to his house.

He said: "I didn't see him at all. He was shouting abuse at me.

"I picked up the bucket and threw it at a boat and ran. I'm frightened."

Of the allegation of throwing liquid at Mr Wide, Cox said he went into the garden and saw his neighbour who started shouting abuse at him.

He said: "I shouted abuse at him because I'm frightened of him. "He was waving his fists and then I tried to take a photo of him and he pretended to be doing something else.

"Then I ran away."

The court had heard relations between the two men started to break down over a boundary dispute.

The pensioner, who wore his 1939 to 1945 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star and Kings Medals to the proceedings, said: "I fought the war to live in peace in my house."

Robert Hawkins, defending Cox, said that it was a difficult situation with much emotion.

Finding Cox guilty of harassment, Eirwen Griffiths, chairwoman of the magistrates, made him subject of a restraining order which means he must not contact, harass or otherwise interfere with Mr Wide.

He must not enter White Cottage or throw any materials on to the property. Mrs Griffiths said: "You must not harass in any way, including verbal abuse."

She said the order would remain until it is terminated by a further court. He was also ordered to pay £150 costs.