A man has been jailed for six years after attacking his neighbour with a knife and scaffolding pole in a row over a garden shed. Shane Berry, 53, scaled a fence and forced his way into Mark Taylor's home in Exminster, Devon, while drunk.
Berry struck Taylor repeatedly on the head with the pole and attempted to stab him in the kidneys, according to the victim. Taylor suffered major head injuries requiring 24 staples and multiple stitches to his thumb after grabbing the blade to protect himself.
The attack occurred after an 18-month period of no contact between the neighbours, following earlier disputes about sheds. Taylor had been denied permission for a shed in his front garden, while Berry and his mother erected a larger one, leading to complaints of double standards.
Taylor recalled Berry screaming, 'I'm going to kill those two f***** two fat c****,' before barging through the door. Berry left the scene after Taylor's wife pleaded with him, and was arrested minutes later, shouting he had 'done nothing wrong'.
Berry admitted grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon at Exeter Crown Court. The judge told Berry he was 'lucky' not to be facing a murder charge. Taylor said he believed Berry intended to kill him and then go after his wife.
Teign Housing, the housing association involved, said they had worked closely with the police and issued a community protection warning to manage the situation. They welcomed the court outcome and offered continued support to the Taylor family.
