Three found guilty in rent dispute

And when the victim went to the police, he was confronted at his home late at night by the pair and their father, St Albans Crown Court heard on Friday, December 7.

Prosecutor Anne Evans said Mark Mantle, 21, had shared a flat in Hazletree Road with Martin Lawrence.

In July this year, there was a row over rent and Mark Mantle moved out, but demanded £100 from Mr Lawrence, a friend he had known for ten years.

On Sunday, July 29, while he was out, Mark Mantle and his 23-year-old brother, Gary, went into the flat and caused damage to items including record decks, records and a television. Mr Lawrence put the damage at £3,500.

Both men were arrested and Mr Lawrence moved back to his parents' home in St Paul's Way.

The court heard that on Saturday, September 1, Mark Mantle went to the new address and told Mr Lawrence: "You are a grass. Why don't you drop the charges?"

Mrs Evans said Mantle then punched Mr Lawrence on the mouth.

A quarter of an hour later, at one o'clock in the morning, Mark Mantle, Gary, and their father, John, 44, went back to the house.

In the confrontation that followed, Mr Lawrence was kicked and punched, said the barrister.

The brothers, of Monica Close, Watford, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, causing actual bodily harm and witness intimidation. The father, of the same address, admitted actual bodily harm and witness intimidation.

Mrs Evans said the father pleaded guilty on the basis that he had gone to the house with his sons to confront Mr Lawrence, but had been there to minimise trouble.

After their arrests, the brothers and their father were remanded in custody.

Because of the time already served, Judge John Slack said he would impose community penalties. Mark and Gary Mantle were ordered to complete 150 hours community service and each pay Mr Lawrence £1,250 compensation.

John Mantle was ordered to complete 60 hours community service and pay £750 compensation.

December 13, 2001 16:00