AVON LADY DING DONG
The married love cheat, the make-up saleswoman and an explosive Christmas Day text...
A HUSBAND trashed the home of his former mistress after she exposed their affair to his wife, a court has heard.
Kevin Skelton, 37, had an affair with Avon rep Kirsty Watson but ended their fling – by text – on Christmas Day.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Miss Watson, of Jarrow, then exposed the affair to Skelton’s wife and mum via a number of phone messages. She also sent them pictures to support her claims.
As a result, Skelton, of Newcastle Street, North Shields, went to Miss Watson’s house to confront her.
But she was not at home and he caused £780 of damage inside. He pulled a television off the wall, smashing its screen, while a living room clock, a small glass table and drawers were also left damaged.
Skelton was arrested and later pleaded guilty to burglary. Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court: “The victim was shocked, gutted and upset.
“It was a dreadful shock for her to come home and find that damage.”
Fiona Lamb, defending, said Skelton’s 18-month marriage had been going through a “difficult period” and he was subjected to a “considerable amount of provocation”.
She added: “The defendant was in a relationship, he went through a bad patch and strayed.
“He had an affair with the complainant, the complainant contacted his wife and his mother, and made life extremely difficult for this defendant. It’s an exceptional case.”
Judge Robert Spragg handed Skelton an 18-month community order, with rehabilitation requirements, and ordered him to pay £780 compensation.
He told the defendant: “You had an affair with the victim in this case, who was an Avon lady – that is how you got in touch with her.
“That relationship did not last long. You ended the relationship by text on Christmas Day 2016. Further contact was then made by text messages to your mother and partner, including photographs being sent.
“Your partner was obviously very angry with you.
“You got angry because you felt you were being blackmailed to continue the relationship.
“You went to her property and smashed various items up amounting to £780.
“I accept that was not planned.”