Rand Paul sues neighbor for front yard attack

June 26 (UPI) -- Sen. Rand Paul filed a civil lawsuit against a neighbor who attacked him in his front yard last year.

The Republican from Kentucky filed the lawsuit in Warren Circuit Court against his neighbor, Rene Boucher, 60, on Friday. Paul seeks damages to compensate for "physical pain and mental suffering" that resulted from the attack that left Paul with five broken ribs and bruised lungs.

"Dr. Boucher issued a sincere and heartfelt apology at the sentencing," Boucher's attorney, Matt Baker, said. "Apparently that apology has not and will not be accepted. Instead, the senator has decided to file this lawsuit."

The lawsuit contends Boucher's actions were "unnecessarily cruel, malicious, willful, wanton" and showed reckless disregard for Paul's "rights, life and liberties."

The lawsuit also seeks a restraining order against Boucher, barring him from contacting Paul and his family, as it contends Boucher will continue a pattern of "stalking and harassment."

Baker said Boucher is "absolutely not a threat to Senator Paul and his family."

The suit comes a week after Boucher was sentenced to 30 days in prison for the attack in a criminal case. He was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

Boucher pleaded guilty to one felony count of assaulting a member of Congress resulting in personal injury in March for tackling Paul as he was mowing his lawn in November.