Hate campaign

Malcolm Matthews told the Herald his life had become "intolerable" since yobs started attacking his car and home in Rochester Close, Durrington, after a dispute in July, 2002.

A 17-year-old youth was charged with criminal damage on Thursday, July 22.

The 55-year-old victim claims teenagers have smashed windows at his home, put a hosepipe through the letterbox and switched on a tap to flood his hall.

He says they glued a key into the front-door lock and then snapped it off.

Windows on his red Nissan car have had to be replaced up to 23 times but three remain boarded up as he can no longer afford to replace them.

Mr Matthews, who suffers from angina, has started staying at his daughter's house in Brighton Road, Worthing, until midnight most days for fear of being attacked.

The father-of-five, who lives at the house with son Bob, 21, has demanded greater protection from the police.

"It all started with an argument over children kicking a ball at my car to set the alarm off.

"From balls, they moved on to eggs, from eggs they have turned to bricks and stones," he said.

"It is making my life hell. I detest living there. All the enjoyment of the house has gone.

"I used to do gardening, but not any more. I don't go home because I haven't the money to keep repairing my car. It is a write-off.

"Every time I phone the police, they say we haven't got any witnesses, so there is nothing we can do about it.

"Well I have had enough of them doing nothing, so now it is down to me."

Sergeant Chris Collins said Sussex Police had worked with the housing association to find Mr Matthews alternative accommodation.

"Mr Matthews has been the victim of crime to his property and vehicle a number of times. It has been going on for a long, long time."

He had been suffering from problems caused by youths and at times he had not got on with the neighbours either.

"It is a difficult situation," Sgt Collins continued.

"We have had a breakthrough and hopefully that is going to improve the situation and we will follow it up if there are any other incidents."