‘WOUND-UP WOMAN BROKE PUB WINDOW’

Second time she caused damage at pub in weeks

A DRINKER has been fined for causing damage at a town centre pub for the second time in a few weeks.

Katrina Gilchrist broke a window at the Iron Monkey in Newcastle after being asked to leave.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, pictured, heard Gilchrist was asked to go following a row with her expartner.

Prosecutor Zoe Leese said: “Police officers attended the Iron Monkey after receiving a 999 call from a worker saying the defendant had caused damage to a window by smashing it. “The defendant saw her ex-partner drinking at the location. A conversation took place between them, resulting in the defendant being asked to leave. As she walked away, the argument continued through the window.

“She made a fist and struck the window, causing damage which it estimated will cost £300 to repair.” Gilchrist, of Algar Road, Springfields, pleaded guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage. The court heard Gilchrist was convicted of the same offence on March 3, resulting from another incident at the same pub where she damaged a window. Robert Holt, mitigating, said: “There were some problems caused by Miss Gilchrist’s expartner. She had been followed around the town. Her ex came into the pub.

“As a consequence of her actions, she was escorted out of the pub. There were parties outside goading her and it is this which caused her to react in the way she did.

“In a single motion, she struck the window and it broke.

“It wasn’t her intention to damage it. She was wound up and antagonised.”

Mr Holt said Gilchrist had an alcohol problem and had drunk strong lager and vodka prior to the offence, which took place on April 16.

“She has expressed remorse” said Mr Holt. “In her police interview, she said she was disgusted with herself.”

Magistrates fined Gilchrist £80 and ordered her to pay £300 compensation to the pub. She must also pay £169 in court costs and charges.