Sally Beaney, 75, admitted to assaulting her neighbor, Matthew Perry, who has late-stage cancer. The incident occurred on October 13 last year, resulting in swelling and a mild corneal injury to Mr. Perry's eye.
During a hearing at Southampton Crown Court, Beaney pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm. The assault was captured on camera, according to her defense barrister, Annabel Hazlitt.
Beaney had previously faced accusations of maliciously poisoning Mr. Perry with ant killer. In May, she denied this charge, with her defense stating it was an act of self-defense or an accident. The charge of maliciously using ant killer with intent to injure, aggrieve, or annoy will now lie on file, meaning it will not be prosecuted unless a similar incident occurs in the future. A charge of harassment has been dropped.
Prosecutor Gaylene Coles informed the court that Mr. Perry is currently undergoing treatment for late-stage cancer. Regarding the injury, Ms. Hazlitt described a mild reaction in Mr. Perry's right eye and some swelling in his left eye, noting a relatively mild corneal injury.
Ms. Hazlitt also noted that Beaney has no previous convictions. Before sentencing, Beaney will undergo an assessment for a mental health treatment requirement. Judge Nigel Peters KC described the situation as a neighbor dispute that has escalated significantly for the defendant.
Beaney was released on unconditional bail and is scheduled for sentencing on September 18. She was previously seen outside Southampton Magistrates Court at an earlier hearing.