Man broke door at sister’s home in cigarette row
TEMPER TANTRUM WITNESSED BY YOUNG CHILDREN
AN angry man lost his temper and damaged his sister’s front door in front of her children after she refused him a cigarette.
Jason Brennan turned up at his sibling’s Walker home and used the toilet and her mobile phone charger before asking for cigarette.
But, when she said no, the 29-yearold saw red and kicked out at her front door, damaging it and the frame, a court heard.
Brennan, of no fixed abode, was arrested and pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage during a hearing at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Rebecca Gibson, prosecuting, said Brennan first arrived at his sister’s home at around 6.50am on February 21 this year.
He initially asked if he could use her toilet and phone charger, which the victim agreed, before leaving but then returning soon afterwards.
Mrs Gibson added: “The defendant was asking for a cigarette. She said he was not allowed one and he began kicking the door and frame, causing damage.”
The court heard that the repairs to the door had cost the landlord £35. In a statement, the victim said: “This incident made me feel stressed and depressed. I’m more concerned about my children, who witnessed this incident.”
Jonathan Pickford, defending, said Brennan was lightly convicted but had struggled since the breakdown of a relationship.
The solicitor said: “He’s asked his sister for a cigarette and, it appears, he’s used up her patience and, out of frustration, he’s kicked the door.”
Fining Brennan £80 and ordering him to pay £35 compensation, District Judge Sarah Griffiths said: “Ultimately, your sister has children, who were present on this occasion. You kicking the door in that way, to a young child, is very frightening, particularly when it’s their uncle who, no doubt, they love very much and look up to.
“This is not the type of behaviour they should see but I accept it’s a oneoff.”