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Wales Online

National

Conor Gogarty

Man hurled food waste bin in rage over builders blocking his driveway

An out-of-work lorry driver hurled a bin in fury over builders' vehicles blocking his driveway. Gareth George shouted abuse at his brother and a police officer despite the obstruction being nothing to do with them.

The 54-year-old has lived next door to his brother Steven George in Lansbury Road in Brynmawr for 15 years, Newport Magistrates' Court heard. Steven George was working at home at 11.30am on March 24 when he heard his brother outside "shouting and swearing aggressively".

The defendant appeared to be yelling at the gate of his brother's house, said prosecutor Rob Simkins. He was heard to shout: "F***ing car and van blocking my driveway."

Mr Simkins told the court: "Steven George said the vehicles were nothing to do with him. They were builders' vehicles working on another property. The defendant replied: 'If you don't move them I will move them my f*****g self.'

"The defendant's brother then saw him throwing his food waste bin around. It bounced against something but he couldn't see what. The tradesmen did begin to move their vehicles. At that time the police arrived and the defendant was by the front door shouting and swearing."

Gareth George called a female officer a "s**g" and aimed more verbal abuse at his brother before being arrested. In a statement Steven George said the tirade had caused him "a great deal of distress". He added: "I just want to be left in peace. I have gone through several years of abuse from Gareth, especially since he broke up with his ex-wife Carla. I have never gone to police for fear of repercussions from Gareth. He is a very angry and devious man but enough is enough. I can't live in fear anymore."

The defendant admitted the public order offence as well as harassing his former wife in a campaign stretching from October 1 last year to January 27. The Georges were married for 20 years before separating in 2018 and their house is in the process of being sold.

The harassment involved George repeatedly calling the Llanhilleth pharmacy where his ex worked and demanding her new address, which staff refused to give. The calls were made on a weekly basis and left Ms George feeling "on edge" every time the phone rang. The defendant was also calling her parents at least once a week and claiming he needed to contact her about the house sale. Mr Simkins said this was not necessary because the ex-couple had intermediaries working on the sale.

George was arrested for harassment then given bail conditions to prevent him attending Ms George's home but he went to the property while she was out and he gave a letter to their 16-year-old son at the door. The message read: "Come and see me soon."

The defendant, who has 21 previous offences on his record, was in a "very difficult position financially" following the end of his marriage, said his solicitor Oliver Jenkins. He was struggling to make mortgage payments while facing £20,000 in credit card debts.

Mr Jenkins said: "The mortgage was going into arrears and Mr George explained that was the need for the urgency in selling the house. He couldn't do so without his wife's signature."

The solicitor said his client was remorseful over his actions towards his wife and brother. He described George as a "very hardworking" HGV driver who was laid off during the pandemic. The defendant is living alone in the former family house but is looking to move into a council home.

Mr Jenkins added: "The loss of his job exacerbated his problems with his poor mental health. He was drinking eight cans of lager daily. Now he is on four cans daily but often managing a two-day break. His mother attends court today and she is very anxious for him to receive help for his issues."

Steven George requested a restraining order which Mr Jenkins objected to. The solicitor told the court his client was hoping to "reconcile" with his brother. Mr Jenkins voiced concern that an order could create problems given that the pair are neighbours.

But Presiding Justice Nicholas Hobbs imposed orders restraining the defendant from contacting Steven George for a year and Carla George for three years. He also fined Gareth George £120 and imposed 29 days of rehabilitation activity.

As he headed out of the dock his mother said sharply: "Gareth." Appearing confused he paused. She scolded him: "What do you say?" The defendant quickly turned to the magistrates and said "oh thank you" before leaving the courtroom with his mother.

As well as the fine George was told to pay a £95 victim services surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs. He will pay at a rate of £20 a month. You can read more court news here.

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