DAVID Sharpe, 58, of Okefield Road, Crediton, attacked his neighbour Nevin Hunter, a former Devon and Cornwall police officer, in his garden one morning in March 2025, Exeter Magistrates heard on March 17.

Sharpe stood behind Hunter as he parked his car, punched him to the ground, and struck him approximately 20 times in around 60 seconds, shouting about being woken at 3am and 5am due to perceived radio frequency signals causing sleep deprivation and irrationality.

The unprovoked assault left Hunter with a broken nose and a bruised and bloodied face.

Sharpe admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

A five-year restraining order was imposed. Magistrates noted it was a persistent attack causing physical and psychological effects and Sharpe was sentenced to one year in prison.