Parking tiff ends in assault

AN elderly man wrestled and threatened a woman with a golf club because the “pest” had parked behind his garage in their Southport unit complex.

Peter Juergen Franz, 72, pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to common assault.

The court was told the assault came after years of tension between the two neighbours in a housing commission complex on Anne St.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Bob Soper said Karen McGlinchey, 63, returned to the unit complex about 8.10pm on April 2 and parked behind Franz’s garage.

“Franz emerged from his own unit brandishing a golf club,” he said.

Sgt Soper said Ms McGlinchey tried to fight off Franz.

“He wrestled with her and they were broken up by bystanders,” he said.

The court was told Franz was intoxicated at the time.

Defence lawyer Michael Gatenby, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, said there had been tension in the unit block since Ms McGlinchey moved in seven years ago.

“There has been a litany of complaints about her,” he said.

“She is the sort of lady who comes out and mows her yard using a machete.”

Mr Gatenby said Franz was frustrated because the woman had parked her car behind his garage, meaning he would not be able to leave if needed.

He said since the fight the woman and Franz had both withdrawn and issues had not continued.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair placed Franz on a $700 good behaviour bond for 12 months.

“This is clearly out of character for you,” he said.

Mr Sinclair said it was clear that while Franz had a golf club he did not hit the woman with it. No conviction was recorded.