A Second World War veteran has received a suspended prison sentence after he stabbed a 58-year-old man with a kitchen knife.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday how former Irish Guard Neil Davies, 74, had been involved in a long-standing dispute which revolved around his claims that his neighbours had "a dirty house''.

Violence erupted in May last year when Walter Barlow, who was a regular visitor to his estranged wife's home in Elm Street, Oxenhope, saw Davies standing at the window of his home next door.

Prosecutor Jonathon Gibson described how Davies was holding his nose and making offensive gestures towards Mr Barlow, who was in his car.

Davies then came to his door and shouted comments relating to a visit by an environmental health officer.

Mr Barlow approached the pensioner and an argument developed during which he claimed Davies threatened to kill him.

Mr Barlow described how Davies lunged at him with a knife in his hand, but it was only after the struggle ended that he realised he had suffered a cut to his chest.

He was taken to hospital and detained overnight after having five stitches put in the one-and-a-half inch cut.

Police officers later recovered a kitchen knife with a five-inch blade from Davies's home when he was arrested.

He claimed that Mr Barlow had lunged at him, but last month he pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful wounding.

His barrister, Stephen Wood, said an independent witness supported the view that Mr Barlow started the physical contact between the two men and argued that the wound was consistent with his client fending off the victim rather than a thrusting blow.

He said Davies, who now lives in Damens Road, Ingrow, Keighley, had an exemplary military record and as well as serving his country he had served his community through his work and voluntary efforts.

Judge Peter Armstrong concluded that Davies' medical problems were an exceptional ground for suspending the 12 months' prison sentence for two years and he said he had also taken note of the fact that he had now moved away from the area.

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