‘Sinister’ raider trashed houses

A “sinister” raider trashed the homes of two expartners after relationship breakdowns and caused fear as well as thousands of pounds in damage.

Grant Foster smashed a patio door to get into the house of one victim, who he had previously been in a 10-year relationship with, and slashed her sofa, clothing and shoes then spray painted offensive graffiti on furniture and left a knife and hammer on her bed.

Two months later, the 36-year-old raider smashed a bay window at a second woman’s home, after their five-week relationship broke down, and covered her walls and furniture in raw egg then left a knife, with the blade pointing upwards, protruding from the cushions in her sofa and covered in a quilt, which meant anyone who sat down could have been stabbed.

Foster, of Rosyth Road, Red House, Sunderland admitted two charges of burglary with intent to cause damage.

Prosecutor Emma Dowling told Newcastle Crown Court the first victim, a mum-of-two, had received a phone call from family when she was at work in June, to alert her that her home in Sunderland had been targeted.

The court heard the grafitti said “cheater”, “user” but also “sorry, I still love you”.

Foster targeted his second victim’s home, which was also in Sunderland, while she was on a night out, after sending her a series of abusive texts in August.

The victim said she was “terrified” to be in her own home after it was targeted.

Foster, who has a criminal record, appeared in court via video link to HMP Durham, where he is being held on remand.

Judge Amanda Rippon said there were “extremely sinisterelements”tothecase and adjourned sentence for the preparation of reports.

Foster was remanded in custody until the next hearing.