Mansfield man quits booze after landing £1,000 bill for knocking on door with shovel

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard police were called to a property on Hall Street on June 22, at about 8pm, after receiving reports of a man trying to force entry.

Annette Holland, prosecuting, said police officers found Ricky Moore “heavily intoxicated” and he told them he believed his younger brother was living there.

He said he was just hoping to borrow a phone charger and had no intention of getting inside.

The court heard 30-year-old Moore has nine convictions for 16 offences dating back to 2008, which include three for drink-driving and one for drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Mr Wilshaw said he was last before the courts in July 2021.

Moore, of Shirland Drive, admitted criminal damage

Representing himself, he told magistrates he had been drinking in a local pub and began banging on the windows of what he thought was his younger brother’s home.

“I wanted to charge my phone to let my missus know where I was,” he said. “I am sorry – it was a silly mistake.”

He told magistrates he has stayed free of alcohol for 76 days and has recently started a new job.

Moore was ordered to pay £1,025 to replace the door, but no court costs were awarded.

Magistrates wished him well and added: “It was an expensive door.”