by Keith Hunt

A father who launched a vendetta against the law by putting hundreds of tacks outside police stations has avoided a jail sentence.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Kevin Bance had also waged a campaign of threats against a community police officer and sent him a suspicious white powder in the post.

But a judge imposed a community order with three years' supervision after hearing about Bance's mental problems.

The 59-year-old upholsterer, of Brookfield, Kemsing, Sevenoaks, admitted harassment and causing danger to road users.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Bance took revenge because he was not happy about the way PC Thomas Renshaw dealt with a neighbours dispute in February 2010.

The officer mediated for three hours before issuing Bance with a penalty notice for disorder.

Paul Valder, prosecuting, said retired Christine Pearson was walking near Tonbridge police station on the April 30 last year when a tack went into her toe.

As it bled profusely, she saw the area was littered with the nails Bance used in his trade.

Mr Valder said four police vehicles and officers' private cars were punctured as a result.

Civilian Katie Hewish drove over the tacks in her car two days later and all four tyres had to be replaced at a cost of £200.

More of the tacks were found outside the police compound for traffic vehicles at Coldharbour, Maidstone, causing disruption over the bank holiday weekend, and outside Swanley police station.

The prosecutor said Bance wrote letters to Swanley and Sevenoaks police stations complaining PC Renshaw was "impersonating a police officer".

He also sent a wrap of white powder, which turned out to be harmless.

Bance was arrested and shown CCTV of him scattering tacks outside Tonbridge police station.

He claimed he had done it because of harassment by the officer and had not thought about the possible consequences.

Mr Valder said the total damage to vehicles was about £4,400. Bance was ordered to pay £1,922 compensation.

Judge Philip Statman said he was satisfied Bance was suffering at the time from a depressive disorder and psychotic symptoms.

He ordered that mental health treatment should be given.