Man trashed hotel bedroom
ACCUSED CAUSED £1,000 DAMAGE AS HE CELEBRATED GIRLFRIEND’S PREGNANCY
A DRUNK man trashed a hotel room after celebrating his girlfriend’s pregnancy and fled when he realised how much of a mess he’d made.
The damage cost the hotel more than £1,000 as bespoke furniture had to be replaced and guests couldn’t use the room for days.
Kamren King, of Meltham Road, Netherton, said he panicked and left without informing staff, as he didn’t want to get in trouble with police.
He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was ordered to pay compensation to the Harrogatebased establishment.
Kirklees magistrates were told that King and his girlfriend checked into The Yorkshire Hotel on April 16.
Bill Astin, prosecuting, said: “They left on the 17th and, when staff looked around the room, there was a significant amount of damage caused.
“Stains were on the carpets and bedsheets and there was also an outstanding bar tab. When they (staff ) charged his card, it was declined. It had been cancelled and they told police.”
More than £400 of damage was caused to items in the room including the wardrobe, lamps, a bedside cabinet and picture. The room had to be repainted and carpets cleaned.
It had to be closed for days for repair work, resulting in more than £500 in lost revenue to the hotel.
Mr Astin said: “Some of the furniture was bespoke and it took them six days to repair the room.
“The defendant was arrested and made admissions. He said he’d found out his girlfriend was pregnant and they went out celebrating.
“He was mixing his drinks and didn’t recall causing the damage.
“When he returned he blacked out and when he woke up he panicked, packed their bags and left without informing the hotel.”
Magistrates were told that King had a criminal record, including offences of burglary with intent to cause GBH, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
Probation officer Karen Daniels said that King described the incident as “all blown out of proportion” and believed that his drinks may have been spiked.
His girlfriend described his behaviour that night as “going mental” but magistrates heard that he was struggling at the time over the death of a close friend who was stabbed. Ms Daniels said: “He panicked at the damage caused and left because he didn’t want police to be called and he didn’t want anything to happen.
“He said he had previous issues with anger, but now is more positive and doesn’t feel he has issues that need to be addressed.”
Magistrates were told that King had moved from Leeds to Huddersfield to make a fresh start and get away from previous associates.
His solicitor Laurence Dilworth said: “There’s been a significant shift in his life in the last six months. He’s moved away from the people he felt were a bad influence.”
Chairman of the bench John Newton told King: “Hotels don’t deserve to have rooms wrecked by people who have had too much to drink.”
King was sentenced to a community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours’ unpaid work. He must pay the hotel £433 compensation and £200 for its loss of earnings, as well as £85 court costs.