A man who purposefully damaged a Police car in order to secure a bed in custody for the night appeared before Magistrates last week charged with harassment and criminal damage.
Daniel Lee, 28, of School Street in Ryde, appeared in court on Friday and pleaded guilty to 3 offences – 2 of criminal damage and 1 of harassment.
Liz Miller, prosecuting, explained to the court that the first offence dated back to 27th February this year. Daniel is said to have caused criminal damage to his ex-girlfriend’s handbag and phone after pushing his way into her property.
The victim was at home with her children when Lee – under the influence of drink and/or drugs – arrived at the front door whilst ‘foaming at the mouth’. The woman sought help and later returned to the address to find her phone and handbag damaged. Police arrived at the scene and arrested the 28-year-old, who was on bail at the time of the offence.
Magistrates heard that the charge of harassment related to distressing messages sent from Lee to his ex-partner accusing her of being a ‘cheating rat’. The messages were sent between 26th July and 3rd August. Despite this, his former girlfriend – and mother of his child – said she wanted Daniel to be a part of his child’s life and did not want a restraining order in place, but felt embarrassed for him.
The third offence related to an incident in the early hours of 31st July. Daniel rang the buzzer at the rear of Newport Police Station to admit that he had just caused damage to a Police car parked outside. The prosecution explained to Magistrates that it was evident Lee had caused the damage to get somewhere to stay for the night, making full and frank admissions.
Defending, Barry Arnett said his client realises and accepts he needs to sort his drug issues having relapsed into substance use.
The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports to be generated. Mr Lee will appear before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court again on 6th September.
Drink and drugs are a symptom of homelessness not the cause. When a relationship fails it is almost always the man that is made homeless. Want equality? Stop treating men like second class citizens.
Want equality? Stop trying to blame women for the consequences of bad choices made by men. Adults need to take responsibility for their actions – ideally long before it gets to the point of breaking the relationship.