Neighbour from hell, 72

Victor Causabon-Vincent (pictured) was given a two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on Monday after a total of 13 witnesses testified about his abusive behaviour.

Chichester magistrates heard that Causabon-Vincent, of Hillrise Avenue, had threatened neighbours and Adur District Council staff with foul language and physical violence on numerous occasions.The pensioner was not at court himself because he said he was too ill to attend.

Neighbour John Lyon told the court: "On several occasions, he has threatened me. He has threatened to harm my wife and children. "He has threatened to damage my property. There is not a lot that he has not threatened to do to me."

Causabon-Vincent's next-door neighbour, Barbara Luxford, added that he had threatened both her and her family several times.Mrs Luxford said: "I'm scared of him. I'm very scared of him." Another neighbour, Steven White, commented: "He chooses not to make himself popular."

In his closing remarks, Russell Jenkins, prosecuting, said the Sompting pensioner had an "acidic tongue and personality".Mr Jenkins said: "All of these witnesses have described how they themselves have been thoroughly harassed and distressed and it is not surprising when you get examples of him throwing objects at children and threatening people with weapons."

Mr Jenkins said the police have records of Causabon-Vincent calling 999 about children in the street and threatening to stab them or hurt them. Selwyn Shapiro, defending, said it was a great shame that Causabon-Vincent could not defend himself against these claims in person.

He said Causabon-Vincent was a victim of a conspiracy campaign by his neighbours and added: "They all do decent, respectable jobs and all of them say they have been alarmed or distressed by a 72-year-old sick man." Mr Shaprio added: "However one looks at this case, from whatever angle, there is the stench of unfairness."Causabon-Vincent could face up to five years in prison if he breaks the ASBO, which will last for the next two years.

He has been banned from causing any alarm, distress or harassment to others or encouraging other people to do so, using foul or threatening language, entering homes or private land without the consent of the owner.

Causabon-Vincent has also been banned from going into the civic centre in Ham Road, Shoreham, unless it is for a public meeting or for a pre-arranged appointment. He has also been banned from obstructing people's right of way across land.

Many of his neighbours were in court for the decision and were delighted with the outcome.