A jury has found a Lawrence man guilty of misdemeanor battery in a confrontation over a parking space at the downtown post office, 645 Vt.

A jury in Douglas County District Court took only an hour Wednesday to decide the case of Gregg D. Jennings, 40.

Williams was arrested and charged after he was seen hitting a man in the mouth. The victim, who had been holding the post office door open for Williams to enter, fell backward over a rail and hit his head. He required hospital treatment for injuries.

Jennings claimed during the trial that his attack on the victim was justified because he was acting in self-defense. The victim had parked his vehicle in a spot Jennings wanted.

“Luckily for the victim, a passerby saw the attack and called 911,” District Attorney Charles Branson said. “Without that citizen’s help, we never would have been able to pursue this case.”

Jennings faces a maximum of up to six months in jail. He will be sentenced at 11 a.m. March 12.