Anthony Allan Aldridge believed his neighbour had poisoned his dog and struck him in the face

A now-homeless man struck his elderly, former neighbour in the face at a bus stop, thinking he had poisoned his dog, a court has heard.

A man who hit his 74-year-old neighbour in the face at a bus stop, believing he had poisoned his dog, has faced court.

Anthony Allan Aldridge, 59, from Wynn Vale pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Aldidge’s lawyer Yan Robson told Magistrate Brian Nitschke Aldridge said his dog had been poisoned by the neighbour.

The police prosecutor told Magistrate Nitschke on March 9 the 74-year-old victim was struck in the left cheek while waiting for a bus near his home.

“He saw the defendant standing within arms reach, before the defendant punched him in the left cheek and walked off shouting I’m going to f---ing g get you again” he said.

Aldridge was arrested on May 6, telling police he did not remember striking the victim with a clenched fist.

Anthony Allan Aldridge (Formerly Medlow) outside the Elizabeth Magistrates Court. Picture Jason Katsaras

Magistrate Nitschke said it was of little importance whether Aldridge hit the victim with an open hand or closed fist.

Ms Robson told Magistrate Nitschke under her instructions, the victim gave Aldridge a “hiding back in high school.”

Magistrate Nitschke said he could not accept that as a fact due to the age difference between the two.

“There’s 14 years between the victim and defendant, it would seem very unlikely this occurred unless a high school student attacked a kindergarten student.”

Ms Robson described how Aldridge is a long term sufferer of mental health conditions, presenting a letter from Dr Jack Kerry stating that he suffers from bipolar disorder bordering on schizophrenia.

“Because of this, Mr Aldridge has a tendency to react aggressively when stressed, he also instructs to me directly he has been compliant with his medication for many years,” Ms Robson said.

She also described Aldridge moved out of the Wynn Vale address following the incident and is currently homeless, living in his car with his dog, Lady.

In sentencing, Magistrate Nitschke discussed Aldridge’s mental health issues.

“After the incident you told police you believed the victim had given your dog a substance which affected it, also that at school he gave you a hiding in the playground, despite your 14 year age gap.”

“I have material which indicates you were probably unwell at the time of the offending – you‘ve been on disability support since 1988 and it seems your mental health was not good, which must be taken into account when deciding on your moral culpability.”

Aldridge was convicted and placed on a $1000 good behaviour bond, ordered to pay prosecution costs and the victim of crime levy.

Court fees were waived.