STREET DRAMA

THE AUSTRALIAN MUSICIAN HAS BEEN CAUGHT UP IN A FRIGHTENING NEIGHBOURHOOD FEUD

- Karleigh Smith

Ever since winning Australian Idol in 2003, Guy Sebastian has worked hard to make a name for himself as one of the industry's nicest blokes. With his dulcet tones and stable, mostly relatable family life, it should have been a goal easily achieved by the 41-year-old 'Believer' singer. But in his 20 years as one of our most beloved homegrown talents, scandal and drama has somehow still found him.

Last week, Sebastian was left reeling after his 65-year-old neighbour, Phillip Hanslow was arrested and charged after allegedly sending a death threat to the singer. It's alleged Hanslow also kicked over the boundary fence between their homes in Sydney's beachside suburb of Maroubra - a terrifying culmination of a reported six-year feud.

Sebastian has endured some personal difficulties over the past few years.

"I was cleaning bricks on my property and I was approached by Mr Sebastian, which then turned into an altercation," Hanslow has said of the incident. "He said he would call police, I said fine. They ripped the back door open, they came in and arrested me and dragged me out of the place."

After police arrived on the scene, Hanslow was taken to the station and charged with stalking with intent to cause physical harm, and damaging property. Sebastian is seeking an apprehended violence order and Hanslow is due to face Waverley Local Court on February 2. "We've had that many disputes with Mr Sebastian. It's too volatile to live over there," Hanslow added.