THE latest chapter in a long-running dispute between neighbours on a Hampshire mobile caravan site has ended with one being jailed for inventing an attack on the other.

Richard Connolly told police pensioner Paul Gulliford had come up his drive and had pushed him with his elbow.

In reality, it was a complete lie, as Southampton Crown Court heard.

Closed circuit television footage confirmed the 72-year-old had gone to buy a paper at newsagents at the time of the alleged assault and was not on the site.

Connolly, 49, of Grange Park Caravan Site, Hedge End, admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice and smashing the rear window of Mr Gulliford’s home with a claw hammer.

He also pleaded guilty to harassment.

Prosecutor Simon Edwards explained: “It is fair to say they have been involved in a long- running dispute with each other and he has made a number of other complaints to the police, his behaviour being best described as vexatious.”

Richard Carroll, defending, said it went beyond the two men being in dispute because Mr Gulliford was subject to a restraining order not to harass Connolly who had now decided to move away from the site.

Urging the court to suspend a prison sentence, Mr Carroll added: “He has had his property valued and is looking at three properties.

“The only reason why he has not yet moved is because of this case today.”

However Recorder Sarah Vaughan-Jones QC jailed Connolly for six months.

“Attempting to pervert the course of justice is a serious matter. It strikes at the heart of the system of justice and only a custodial sentence can be justified,” she said.