A PENSIONER has been told to stay away from a family after attacking a man at a war memorial.

Richard Lanigan, who is also known as Mike, was given a restraining order following the incident, which happened near the war memorial in Easington, in east Cleveland, last August.

The 74-year-old was found guilty of assault and criminal damage following a trial.

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Lanigan, who is married to the leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council Mary Lanigan, had been tending to the cenotaph when violence broke out last August 15.

Footage of the assault, which was captured on a mobile phone and CCTV, shows the pensioner  pushing victim Shaun Miller, who is a neighbour of the Lanigan’s, into a flower bed, before kicking and shoving him.

The Northern Echo:

Following a hearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, Lanigan will no longer be able to approach Mr Miller or his wife Lisa.

Their daughter was present at the time of the assault and the court heard she had suffered nightmares and sleepless nights as a result.

Speaking after the case, Mrs Miller said: “We’re so relieved it’s over. It’s been a couple of years of unbelievable hell.

“It’s been horrendous. My husband was just going over to show Mike Lanigan an email from the council when he was attacked. The while thing was shocking. We didn’t expect it at all.”

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Lanigan’s wife Mary was present at the time of the attack and gave evidence at his trial in his defence.

At the sentencing hearing, the court heard Lanigan was a “vulnerable man” in failing physical and mental health and who continued to deny any wrongdoing.

The Northern Echo:

The court heard there had been issues between the neighbours which had been going on for two years.

Lanigan, of Twizziegill View, was fined £1,100 and told to pay £1,000 in compensation.

He will also have to pay court costs of £300.

A restraining order is also in place.

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