Sally Beaney, 75, has admitted assaulting her neighbour Matthew Perry, who is reported to have late-stage cancer, after an incident in Southampton last October. The case matters because it follows an earlier allegation that she poisoned him with ant killer, although the court was told she will not be dealt with over that allegation.

Southampton Crown Court heard that Perry suffered swelling around his eye and a mild corneal injury. Beaney pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm; the incident was reportedly captured on camera. She had previously denied maliciously poisoning Perry, with her barrister saying her defence had been self-defence or accident.