A squabble over a parking space landed Charles Richards before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Richards appeared in court to answer to a charge of malicious destruction of property.

The complainant told the court that he drove into a plaza in Half-Way Tree and was looking for a parking spot. He explained that Richards had placed a stone in the spot because he operated a stall there and did not want anyone to park in front of his establishment. He said he removed the stone and this upset Richards who used a machete to damage his car.

Richards, however, had a different story. He told the court that the complainant and a female companion drove up and he told them that they could not park there. He said he was almost run over by the vehicle and had to jump on to the bonnet to save himself. He said this was what caused the dent in the car.

Although Richards had initially pleaded guilty with explanation, senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown decided that the matter should be tried in the night court on November 25.