75-Year-Old Neighbor Sentenced for Spraying Ant Poison into Cancer Patient's Eyes

A protracted parking row between neighbours in Southampton escalated when 75-year-old Sally Beaney sprayed ant-killer into the eyes of her neighbour, Matthew Perry, who is suffering from late-stage cancer. The court heard that Beaney had repeatedly obstructed Perry’s use of the shared driveway, leaving plant pots and other items to block his vehicle. The chemical attack caused swelling, minor burns and a mild corneal injury, requiring hospital treatment.

Beaney pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was sentenced to a 12-month term suspended for two years, ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and placed under a restraining order. Perry testified that the harassment had severely impacted his family’s wellbeing and that Beaney had previously filmed and shouted at them from her home.