Victim feels terrified after her ex-partner smashed her door

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, March 1, how Charles William Hudson, 29, of Sudhall Close, Newbold, Chesterfield, had been banging on the door at his former partner’s home to be let in before smashing a glass panel.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “The complainant called the police to say that the defendant was banging at her door to get into the house.

“By the time the police arrived Hudson had left but a small glass panel had been smashed and she said he had used a lump hammer to smash the door to get in and he had left when she phoned the police.”

Hudson told police he had attended the complainant’s home and he had knocked on her door and was not sure if she was out or ignoring him and the glass panel had a small crack and the window smashed.

He added that when he left saw the lump hammer and had taken it with him because he claimed that he was concerned she might come out and attack him.

Hudson pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage after the incident about 6pm, on January 2.

The defendant told the court that he and the complainant had had a lot of arguments because they suffered from a clash of personalities and he had acted out of character.

He added: “I am absolutely sorry because I know how domestic arguments can escalate and I am sorry how it has affected her and that we are stood here today.”

The victim stated that she is terrified about what might happen next and that she feels like she is living in a prison when all she wants to do is live a normal life.

Magistrates sentenced Hudson to a 12 month conditional discharge but warned that if he commits another offence in the next year he will be re-sentenced for the criminal damage along with any new crime.

Hudson was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.