THE victim of a neighbourhood dispute armed himself with a hammer the day after he had been attacked by a group of angry men.

Kieran Cann from Teignmouth feared he was going to be subjected to more violence during the row about vandalism in Arena Park, Exeter, in May this year.

He and his partner Jamie Bruce were suspected of vandalising a car and were confronted by angry neighbours when they went to inspect the damage.

He fled from the scene but returned shortly afterwards carrying a hammer which he had found in a nearby alleyway, Exeter Crown Court was told.

Cann, aged 27, now of Barn Park Terrace, Teignmouth, admitted threatening behaviour and was sent on a thinking skills course with 20 days of rehabilitation activities as part of an 18 month community order.

Judge Peter Johnson told him: ‘You picked up the hammer and did not take it to the scene. It was being used for a lawful purpose by someone else working nearby.

‘It must have been a frightening moment for those present to see you return with a hammer. You have now moved away from the area and are living in Teignmouth.’

Mr Michael Brown, prosecuting, said neighbours believed Cann or Ms Bruce had damaged a car in Arena Park on May 8 and he had been injured by a group of men who went to Ms Bruce’s house.

Her car was also damaged and they reported both these incidents to the police. They went out the next day to inspect the damage which they had been accused of causing and were confronted by neighbours for the second time.

There was an exchange of abuse in the street which led to Cann going down an alleyway and returning with the hammer. He went back and was heard telling Ms Bruce ‘let’s go’. She then ushered him away.

Mr Lee Bremridge, defending, said Cann’s relationship with Ms Bruce has ended and he has moved away to Teignmouth. He has also tackled a drug problem but is keen for more help from the probation service.