Attacked car in drunken rage

Published on 11th October 2007 in News

A man who took his drunken anger out on a television, a stereo and two car windscreens has been given a conditional discharge.

Phillp Moore (33), of High Street, West Cowick, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage when he appeared at Goole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The court heard that Mr Moore moved in with his partner in August this year.

Andrew Stirling, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that on the evening of August 25 Mr Moore went to the house he shares with his partner after drinking in a pub.

An argument ensued and: "She was concerned about about his drunken state and he was in an argumentative frame of mind," said Mr Stirling.

"He said he was going to cause damage with a sledge hammer."

Mr Moore's partner then heard a loud banging house, which was found to be Mr Moore causing damage inside and outside the house.

A television, a stereo and the front and rear of a Vauxhall Vectra parked outside were all attacked, amounting to several hundred pounds of damage, Mr Stirling said.

The prosecutor also pointed out that the two children, belonging to Mr Moore's partner, had been in the house at the time of the incident.

The police were called and Mr Moore was arrested after he had left the scene.

"He pleaded guilty at a fairly early stage," said Mr Stirling.

Defending, Shaun Pinchbeck explained that Mr Moore's partner was soon to have a child and the incident was prompted by his discovery that the child was not his.

"While it is not an excuse, it is perhaps an explanation for the state he was in," said Mr Pinchbeck.

The court heard that Mr Pinchbeck had received a letter from Mr Moore's partner, indicating that they were trying to rebuild their relationship.

"The defendant feels hopeful and positive about their future together," said Mr Pinchbeck.

"There is nothing to suggest that this was conduct that he usually engages in."

Magistrates said they had taken into account Mr Moore's early guilty plea and gave him a conditional discharge for 18 months, and £40 costs to pay.

"You must keep out of trouble," they told him.