Chesterfield teen who damaged a bus shelter is given a chance by magistrates

A young man who kicked and attacked a bus shelter has been given a chance by magistrates to turn his life around.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.Chesterfield magistrates' court.
Chesterfield magistrates' court.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, January 20, how Joshua Hawkins, 18, of Poolsbrook Square, Poolsbrook, Chesterfield, was seen with two other males by a witness kicking and pulling the bus stop on St Lawrence Road, at North Wingfield.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “A witness heard shouting and banging and saw three males and saw Hawkins had his hands against the side of the bus shelter and he was kicking at a bottom panel and two other males were also kicking it together.”

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The witness called police and Hawkins was arrested and he admitted kicking and pulling the bus shelter after the incident on October 26, last year.

Hawkins pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the bus shelter which belongs to North Wingfield Parish Council which revealed that £350 of damage had been caused.

The court also heard how Hawkins was previously convicted for two offences of arson involving bins and he was made subject to a referral order with support from a youth offending team.

Defence solicitor Kirsty Sargent said Hawkins had been out having a farewell drink with the other males because one of them was leaving and the defendant admitted he had had too much to drink.

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Ms Sargent added: “He could give no explanation for the damage other than it was stupid and it was something he regrets and he felt the alcohol had played a part.”

Magistrates sentenced Hawkins to a 12 month conditional discharge but warned that if he commits another offence he will be re-sentenced for damaging the bus stop.

Hawkins was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £116.67 in compensation as a third of the damage caused.