A man whose violent and homophobic abuse left a neighbour terrified to step outside his own home has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Joseph Parkes, of no fixed address, left his victim fearing for his safety after repeatedly harassing him in a Newham block of flats, Thames Magistrates Court heard.

The 57-year-old was arrested on June 16 last year and convicted of harassment on Monday, October 22.

Supt Waheed Khan said: “Parkes subjected his victim to a tirade of abuse which has had a substantial impact on his life.

“This sentencing shows that we will not tolerate unwarranted acts of harassment and will continue to work with our partners and community to deal with all forms of criminality.”

Parkes was also given a three-year restraining order meaning he must not contact the victim or enter the street where he lives.

If he breaks the order, he faces up to five years in prison.