A man has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison after driving a stolen tractor into a rival’s house in Middlesbrough, following an ongoing personal feud. Nathan Blagg, 28, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage while reckless as to whether life was endangered, and affray related to a previous confrontation.

The incident took place in May when Blagg stole a Massey Ferguson tractor, along with an attached hay baler, from a farmer near Kirklevington, North Yorkshire. He then drove the vehicle at high speed for approximately nine miles through residential areas before ramming it into a terraced house linked to Luke Lancaster, his 31-year-old rival. The house was empty at the time but sustained significant damage, with the front room destroyed and requiring extensive rebuilding.

Recorder Paul Reid described the incident as “as serious as it gets,” noting that the tractor suffered around £56,000 in damages and the £30,000 hay baler was written off. The property had already been vacated by previous occupants who left due to earlier attacks and threats, with one resident expressing ongoing fear for her family’s safety.

The feud between Blagg and Lancaster reportedly escalated from a series of violent encounters, including an incident where Lancaster ran over Blagg with a car outside Probation Service offices in April. Additionally, Blagg’s defense counsel referenced distressing footage circulated on social media depicting Lancaster allegedly desecrating the graves of Blagg’s father and brother by urinating on and kicking over the headstone.

Lancaster has also been convicted and jailed for his part in the violent disputes, including charges related to grievous bodily harm. Both men have faced jail sentences connected to this ongoing hostility.

Blagg’s legal representative argued that while Blagg’s actions were serious, they were provoked by Lancaster’s earlier behavior, though the court held Blagg accountable for the deliberate damage caused. Blagg was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison, followed by an extended two-year licence period.

The case highlights the dangerous escalation of a personal vendetta that resulted in significant property damage and legal consequences for both parties involved.