Neighbour row erupts as former police officer shoves man three times in heated dispute over 'car trailer'

The confrontation was the culmination of ongoing tensions between the neighbours over Dougall's use of a car trailer, which he used to transport broken-down vehicles to his garage.

The Hegartys had accused Dougall of blocking their driveway with the trailer, despite it being legally parked.

Poole Magistrate's Court

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After parking, Hegarty tutted and shook his head at Dougall, who asked what the problem was. An argument ensued, during which Dougall swore. Hegarty told him, "Don't start swearing in front of my wife," before pushing him in the chest.

When Dougall protested, Hegarty pushed him again. After Dougall threatened to call police, Hegarty shoved him a third time. CCTV footage later disproved Hegarty's claim that Dougall had threatened his wife during the incident.

At Poole Magistrates' Court, Hegarty pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

His defence lawyer, Selina Goddard, said he had no previous convictions and was "under pressure" while undergoing tests for cancer, telling the court: "It's particularly sad he finds himself in this situation at this time of life."

Judge Orla Austin gave Hegarty a 12-month conditional discharge, saying it was "extremely unfortunate" he was in court for the first time at 63.

Speaking after the case, Dougall said the neighbours had been upset about the trailer from the beginning.

"From the day we moved in, they were angry about that trailer. Every time I used it, they got upset," he said.

He denied allegations about excessive noise, saying claims he had been "revving engines all day long" were untrue. Dougall described his surprise at Hegarty's anger during the confrontation.

He told The Telegraph: "It was a hard shove, I had to take several steps back. He's taller and bigger than me and I had something in my hands, so I didn't even raise my arms."