14
7
A bullying neighbour from hell faces jail for setting fire to a conifer tree in a communal garden and threatening to "slice up" residents.
Timothy Coldwell, 53, was caught on camera torching the 30ft tree, which belonged to the council, during a drunken fit of rage.
A court heard Coldwell also assaulted a police officer the next day and bullied neighbours in Solihull, West Mids.
Birmingham Mail reports he could face prison at sentencing next month.
Coldwell made the lives of residents on his estate a misery for some time, Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard.
His erratic behaviour escalated in June this year when he torched the conifer for no clear reason.
He threatened to "slice up" neighbours the next day.
Speaking after Coldwell had admitted arson and threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear, one neighbour said: "I was watching the football and saw him standing bare-chested by the tree in the corner of my eye so I started filming.