A DISGRUNTLED Machynlleth man has said he regrets shouting abuse at his neighbour at Aberystwyth Magistrates Court after he learnt charges of criminal damage against her had been dropped.

Peter John Deragon, of The Chalet, Forge, admitted disorderly conduct at the court building on 25 August after launching a foul-mouthed rant at the woman he blamed for criminal damage he had suffered.

He told magistrates that he regretted his actions, but claimed he had been victimised by his neighbour, but seen her go unpunished.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said Deragon, 49, had been at the court on the day, but learnt that the woman he claimed was responsible for the damage was no longer facing charges after the main witness in the prosecution case refused to continue to take part in the case.

When the CPS prosecutor and a police officer explained to Deragon what was going to happen, he became angry and started shouting and swearing, saying he had wasted his time by reporting the incident to the police and that he would “sort it out himself”.

As he was leaving the building, Deragon saw the woman and started shouting and swearing at her saying he would “cut you up” and claiming that she “got away with everything”. Ms Tench said members of the public in the court building were shocked by the outburst.

In a police interview following his arrest, Deragon said he should not have reacted as he did and regretted it, saying that he hadn’t meant any of the things he said and apologising for his behaviour.

Deragon, who represented himself in court, said he regretted his actions. He said: “I did behave inappropriately. I’m sorry I did what I did.”

He told magistrates that he was frustrated at the time and claimed the woman had “cost me a load of money”. Deragon was fined £200 and will pay costs of £115.