Boozy tenant's outburst left a trail of damage

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, May 23, how James Britland, 30, of Baden Powell Road, Birdholme, Chesterfield, damaged his former property at King Street North, Chesterfield.

Prosecuting solicitor Bill Taylor said: “He had been a tenant for some time at King Street North and had been paying rent monthly and for a time things were all right. But he found difficulties paying his rent at the beginning of this year and as a result his landlord started the ball rolling to recover possessions. He was two months in arrears and the landlord was entitled to seek possession of the house. Britland went to see neighbours because he wanted to take issue with them about one of them talking out of turn to him or about him.”

He was not allowed in their home, according to Mr Taylor, and Britland lost his temper and the neighbours could see planks being thrown.

Police were called and they noticed signs of damage and the landlord found several internal doors damaged with holes knocked into the windows and there was damage to bathroom tiles and to the edge of the bath.

The court heard how Britland agreed to leave the property and put right the damage he had caused. Britland pleaded guilty to causing the damage after the incident on March 11.

Defence solicitor Julie Page explained Britland had suffered after the breakdown of a relationship and he had lapsed into alcohol abuse. Magistrates sentenced Britland to a 12 month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £150 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.