A North Versailles man pleaded no contest yesterday to aggravated assault for stabbing his neighbor in a fight over a broken VCR.

Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Kevin Sasinoski sentenced Donald Simpson, 58, to 11 1/2 to 23 months in jail, with immediate parole because he had been in Allegheny County Jail since he stabbed Anita White in the chest in November. He is forbidden from having contact with Ms. White.

Police said Mr. Simpson had sold a VCR to Ms. White for $40. The machine did not work and she went to his apartment for a refund. The two argued and scuffled, during which time Mr. Simpson retrieved a knife and stabbed her, police said.