James Badham: Fight over parking space between South Wales neighbours ends in terrifying stabbing
Having already thrown a punch at his neighbour outside, the attacker admitted the ‘red mist’ descended upon him before he got out the knife.
A man has faced court after he kicked down his neighbour’s front door and stabbed him with a knife after a fight over a parking space.
James Badham, 34, had reportedly parked outside his 68-year-old neighbour’s home on August 20 before the older man confronted him about the move.
In response, Badham told his neighbour he couldn’t tell him what to do before readying himself for a physical fight.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Hannah Friedman, a prosecutor, told Cardiff Crown Court that when the 68-year-old pushed Badham away in what was described as “half a push, half a punch” the pair ended up wrestling each other on the ground.
After this initial spat, Badham walked away, before the unidentified older man said “tough boy you are” and “real tough guy, real hard man”.
The court was told Badham then mumbled that the 68-year-old “hadn’t heard the end of this” before the victim joined his wife back inside their home, Wales Updates reported.
Ms Friedman said the couple then heard a loud bang as Badham forced his way through the front door, yelling out that he would kill the victim.
Badham threw himself at the 68-year-old, and during a struggle, he felt a sharp pain in his upper arm, the result of the attacker stabbing him with a lock knife.
Even with a stab wound, the victim miraculously managed to pin down Badham until police arrived at the shocking scene.
When Badham was arrested he told police that after the initial dispute over the parking space, a “red mist” descended upon him.
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for two stab wounds to his upper right arm. Badham’s nose was broken and his shoulder was dislocated.
Badham, who had no previous criminal record, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, possession of a bladed article, and criminal damage.
Matthew Cobbe told the court in mitigation that Badham’s behaviour after the first confrontation was “outrageous”.
“He should have, could have, returned to his home,” Mr Cobbe said.
Judge Shomon Khan told the court the attack must have been a “terrifying experience” for both the victim and his wife. He said the first confrontation was “entirely unnecessary” and the stabbing that followed was “completely undeserved”.
Badham was handed a three year and four month prison term with a five-year restraining order to protect both the 68-year-old and his wife.
