Man who told neighbour 'you will die tonight' after 'completely losing it' jailed

A man who "completely lost it" over his neighbour's loud music climbed through an open window and launched a knife attack - telling the victim "you will die tonight." Peter Lesko, 48, went "berserk" after reaching breaking point during a long-running dispute, Hull Crown Court heard. The food factory worker grabbed a knife from the victim's kitchen and repeatedly punched and stabbed him after the man had fallen asleep on his sofa while music played.

Lesko, 48, formerly of Broadley Close, east Hull, who had been held in custody on remand, admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on October 25. He denied attempted murder and the prosecution later dropped that charge. Prosecutor Michele Stuart-Lofthouse said the two men lived next door to each other in a semi-detached property and had a history of problems. After midnight the victim had been at home, relaxing after work with a drink and listening to "moderately loud" music after midnight.

Ms Stuart-Lofthouse added: "The man managed to escape upstairs and lock himself in his bedroom."

Lesko followed him and attempted to smash the door down before returning downstairs and throwing items around the house. He was arrested at his own address at 1.45am.

The victim was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary with two stab wounds to the back of his right arm and injuries to his lower back and forearm.

He later said: "This incident has made me feel scared to go back to my home. You never expect your neighbour to behave in such a way. I no longer feel safe in my address.

"I feel unsafe and isolated. I feel I was lucky to survive with my life."

He was initially unable to return to work as a joiner, later resuming on light duties.

Defending, David McGonigal said Lesko's "emotions got the better of him" after repeated issues with loud music.

His young son could not sleep, vibrations travelled through the living room and he had to turn up his television to hear it.

"The music went on into the early hours," Mr McGonigal said. "He describes the music as being unbearable." An earlier occupant of the house claimed the loud music was a "nightmare" and claimed the neighbour went on "two or three-day benders".

Lesko had tried to speak to the neighbour and described him as "unapproachable". He had contacted the council for help on previous occasions and on the night of the incident, he telephoned the police and was advised to speak to the council, Mr McGonigal said.

The music continued as well as shouting and he again rang the police.

"Against that background, he then went round," the barrister said. "He was banging on the door initially and the window initially to try to get the complainant to speak to him.

"Unfortunately, his emotions got the better of him and he chose to go into the house, which he did through an open kitchen window. He accepts being aggressive."

He also admitted using the knife he took from the man's kitchen. Mr McGonigal said the injuries were "not too serious".

The Slovakian national had worked for a food company for about 20 years, had no previous convictions and showed remorse, the court heard.

Judge John Thackray KC said Lesko had experienced a "high level of provocation" from the loud music, which had a significant impact on him and his family.

However he told him: "Eventually, you lost your temper and launched a prolonged and determined attack upon your victim."

He added Lesko had "just completely lost it" and said: "The injuries were bad but they could have been so much worse. Your attack has had a profound attack upon your victim."

Lesko was jailed for two years and four months and handed a five-year restraining order.