UK Pensioner Avoids Jail for Spraying Ant Killer in Neighbor's Eyes

A 75-year-old pensioner who sprayed ant killer into the eyes of her terminally ill neighbor has received a suspended sentence and a restraining order. Sally Beaney admitted causing assault occasioning actual bodily harm to Matthew Perry, her neighbor with whom she shared a driveway.

What began as a parking dispute escalated over several months, with Beaney allegedly blocking Mr. Perry's parking spaces with plant pots and filming the family. The confrontation culminated on October 13, 2025, when Beaney sprayed ant killer into Mr. Perry's eyes as he left his home.

Mr. Perry, who suffers from late-stage cancer, was treated for minor chemical burns and a mild corneal injury. During the incident, Beaney reportedly told Mr. Perry that "no one would believe him" because she was a "75-year-old woman" while he was a "young 6ft1in man."

At Southampton Crown Court, Beaney was handed a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. A restraining order was also imposed.

In a statement read to the court, Mr. Perry described how Beaney's behavior had impacted his family's life, causing them to feel trapped and making their home unsellable. He stated that the stress of dealing with Beaney contributed to his terminal cancer diagnosis, which he believes could have been treated if diagnosed earlier. He also expressed concern for his young son's safety.

Beaney's defense attorney stated that the incident was a dispute between neighbors that had regrettably escalated, and Beaney offered an apology. The judge noted that while the offense warranted a prison sentence, guidelines and Beaney's lack of previous convictions led to the decision to suspend the sentence.