A Dapto truck driver accused of grabbing his neighbour in a headlock and trying to gouge his eyes during a dispute over parking in their cul-de-sac has been granted conditional bail in court.
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Paul James Simmons, 49, is facing intimidation and common assault charges stemming from the incident, which was captured on CCTV cameras set up at the alleged victim's house.
Court documents said there had been ongoing tensions between the two men over Simmons parking his truck outside the alleged victim's house.
The dispute came to a head on Tuesday afternoon when the man confronted Simmons as he got out of the truck.
The pair got into a verbal argument, at which time Simmons allegedly began barging the man with his chest.
The alleged victim asked Simmons to calm down, put his hands up and took a step backwards, however it is alleged Simmons knocked the man's cap off his head, prompting the neighbour to push Simmons away out of fear for his own safety.
Simmons allegedly laughed and said "is that all you've got?"
It is alleged Simmons rushed at the man and grabbed him in a headlock, dragging him to the ground and trying to "gouge his fingers in the victim's eyes", police said.
Simmons allegedly then punched the man in the head multiple times before getting off the victim and saying "get your shit and f--k off inside" as he walked back to his own house.
The victim called police. Officers attended the house, viewed the CCTV footage and
They also noted the man's eyes were red, he had a blood blister under one eye and swelling to the right side of his head.
Simmons was arrested later that evening and charged. He was not interviewed due to his aggressive behaviour at the time, police said.
Prosecutors opposed Simmons bail application in court on Wednesday, saying they held fears for the safety of the victim given he lived two doors down from Simmons.
They also noted Simmons' criminal history included matters of violence, although conceded there had been a gap of more than a decade since his last offence.
Defence lawyer Jordon Mechan said Simmons denied the offences and would agree not to approach the alleged victim should he receive bail.
Magistrate Les Mabbutt agreed to release Simmons provided he have no contact with the alleged victim, not go within five metres of his house and abstain from any drugs and alcohol.
The case was adjourned to July 15 for mention at Port Kembla Local Court.
