A FORMER youth worker involved in an 18-year-long dispute with his neighbours in a Vale village is to be served with an anti-social behaviour order.

Richard Jackson, aged 60, was convicted of assaulting one of his neighbours last month.

At his sentencing at Worcester magistrates court last Wednesday a judge said Jackson should have been sent to prison. But guidelines given at his trial made that impossible.

Outside court the neighbours from Bishampton said they were disappointed at the sentencing but hoped an Asbo would bring an end to their misery. Jackson, of Main Road, Bishampton, denied assaulting Ashley Hyett with a stick.

Charles Hamer, defending, said: "This was the culmination of a train of incidents in this pleasant village which has been going on between the Jacksons and some of their neighbours for 18 years. Mr Jackson's perception is that the neighbours had it in for him and were making trouble."

The court heard that civil litigation brought by one of the neighbours had left Jackson £14,000 out of pocket. He was also a carer for his mentally ill wife.

"The toll upon him for looking after her for the past 30 years is very considerable indeed," said Mr Hamer. "Mr Jackson was served with an ASBO application which will extend the agony."

Deputy district judge Roderick Ross said: "People who assault people with implements deserve to go to prison. I can't do that and I'm distressed about that."

Jackson was conditionally discharged for three years, ordered to pay £200 costs and £200 compensation.

At a previous hearing the court was told that Jackson should be prevented from using bad language, abusive gestures or contacting any of the group of neighbours who complained about him.

After the sentencing Mr Hyett said: "This guy has made our lives a misery."