Man damaged house of ex-girlfriend in Bonfire Night bust-up

A man slashed clothes in his girlfriend’s wardrobe, damaged her belongings and smashed windows at her home after accusing her of “sleeping around” during an explosive Bonfire Night row.

Richard Price and his partner were split up when she found him in her house in Sunderland when she got back after a day out on November 5 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 34-year-old was “drunk” and began making accusations towards the woman.

Prosecutor Vince Ward told the court: “He accused herofsleepingaround.She wanted to leave to avoid what she believed was developing into a confrontation.

“When she said to him to pass her coat what he did instead was pick up a Stanley knife and slash clothes in her wardrobe. As she went to leave, after about five minutes, she heard an extraordinarily loud bang. It was a firework going off.

“In interview the defendant was to explain it was an accident, which the prosecution do not dispute.”

Price, of Rosslyn Terrace, Sunderland, admitted causing criminal damage. The court heard the damage to the doors and windows was estimated to be more than £1,200.

Price, who has convictions for 117 previous offences, told police he had had four cans of lager and some wine during the course of that afternoon.

Jamie Adams, defending, said Price had made “strenuous efforts” to seek help with his mental health, which was under strain following the death of his brother.

Judge Robert Spragg sentenced Price to a community order for 12 months with rehabilitation requirements.