An Exeter man has been slapped with a suspended jail sentence for vandalising his mum’s Exmouth home amid a family bereavement, forcing her to call to a passer-by for help.
A 54-year-old man caused a total of £4,375 in damage, after smashing the windows of his mother’s Exmouth home, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Darren Crowson, of Merlin Crescent, Exeter, pleaded guilty to criminal damage from February 20 this year when he appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
Lyndsey Baker, prosecuting, said the incident took place amid a family bereavement.
The court heard Crowson’s mother locked the doors and called 999 after the defendant turned up at her house unannounced and tried to push past her at the door.
Crowson began banging and kicking at the door before smashing the living room window and trying to climb through.
The victim saw a man walk past and shouted to him for help, asking him to call police.
Crowson then moved to the bathroom window and began banging with force. He threw a garden statue and the glass panes gave way.
The court heard he made threats to kill the complainant and burn her house down.
Baker said the relationship between the two parties had been strained due to Crowson’s issues with substance abuse.
The prosecution applied for £372 in compensation to cover the costs of boarding up the windows.
The defendant has ten previous convictions, including a criminal damage offence from August last year.
Robert Jacobs, mitigating, said Crowson and his family had both been upset in the context of their bereavement.
“He is very apologetic and very ashamed,” Jacobs said.
District Judge Smith imposed a six-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
Crowson must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay a victim surcharge of £154 and court costs of £85.
A 12-month restraining order was imposed and Crowson must pay £372 in compensation.
