Military Historian, 80, Receives Conditional Discharge for Vandalism Amid Parking Dispute

An 80-year-old military historian has received an 18-month conditional discharge after an escalating parking dispute with his neighbors led him to vandalize their vehicles with a scaffolding pole.

Alexandre Binda, a decorated veteran of the Rhodesian Army and author of four books on its infantry, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage. The incident occurred in Rothbury, Northumberland, where Binda and his wife June had been in a protracted dispute with two hoteliers whose property backed onto their home.

The conflict, centered on which cars had parking priority, caused significant stress for the Bindas, who reportedly considered suicide due to the ongoing feud. The hoteliers also stated the issues led to depression and anxiety, prompting them to move from their property.

Prior to the vandalism, the hotel manager and his husband had been charged with common assault against the Bindas following a separate dispute in 2024, but were cleared. However, while awaiting their court date, Binda, armed with a steel scaffolding pole, damaged two vehicles he believed were obstructing his parking space. The damage to a van was estimated at approximately £4,500, and to a Range Rover at £2,000.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that police were called by the couple, and one of them filmed Binda's actions. The footage was presented during Binda's sentencing hearing.

Prosecutor Saba Shan stated that the hoteliers had reported ongoing parking issues with Binda and his wife. She described the attack as the defendant smashing two vehicles with a metal scaffolding pole.

In victim impact statements, the hotel manager expressed feeling sick and helpless, while his husband cited the anxiety and depression caused by the neighborly conflict as a reason for no longer being able to live at the property.

Judge Robert Spragg acknowledged the dispute, stating there were two sides to the situation and that the background likely contributed to Binda's uncharacteristic behavior. The judge noted Binda's stress levels had been so high that he and his wife had contemplated suicide.

Binda, who has no prior convictions, was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation, at a rate of £50 per month. His defense lawyer, Nick Lane, highlighted Binda's 15-year military service, including in the light infantry and special air service, and his subsequent career in the prison service and National Trust. Lane described Binda as deeply ashamed and embarrassed by his actions at age 80.

Lane also mentioned a significant background of hostility, which had led to the Bindas being reported as vulnerable adults. He emphasized that Binda had simply "snapped." The situation has reportedly improved since the victims of the criminal damage moved away, and Binda and his wife continue to receive support from their local community.