Dog walker caught on CCTV slashing neighbour's tyres in early hours South Tyneside vandal attack

Heroin user Gary Spour, 42, of Stirling Avenue, Jarrow, carried out the attack in retaliation for his victim allegedly blackening his eyes, a court heard.

The pair had been buddies but had fallen out and Spour had dwelt heavily on his beating.

But he was spotted on the man’s CCTV leaving his own house in the early hours of Monday, May 11, with his Staffordshire bull terrier named Blue.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court Spour was captured on the same system returning to his home.

She said: “The defendant has caused criminal damage to his neighbour’s vehicle by slashing two tyres. At the time, he was in possession of a bladed article.

“He was seen by CCTV jumping over fences, trying to get around the CCTV, before attacking the vehicle.”

Kevin Smallcombe, defending, said: “It’s slightly unusual. These two people were friends.

“They would socialise, but there was a fall out which led to a deterioration of their relationship.

“CCTV showed a man leaving his home with a Staffordshire bull terrier at 4am.

“It also shows him returning to his house a short time later.

“He had two black eyes which he attributes to the complainant, but there doesn’t seem to be any action. He has ruminated on it.

“There are no similar offences of having a weapon on his record.”

Spour, who has 17 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and to causing criminal damage.

In court, he said the blade had been a penknife and admitted to using heroin along with taking a methadone script.

District Judge Kathryn Meek told him people who carry knives go to prison, which would likely be his fate if he was caught with one in public again.

She sentenced him to a 15-month community order, with a requirement of up to 25 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service.

He must also take part in the Thinking Skills programme, pay his victim £200 in compensation, and pay a £100 fine.

There were no court costs or victim surcharge.

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