AN ANGRY Bolsover man smashed his mum’s television set following a row about about his then-girlfriend, a court heard.
The incident took place on New Year’s Eve after Robert Clarke had spent the night at his girlfriend’s address.
They went to his mother’s home and an argument blew up five minutes later, Chesterfield magistrates were told.
“He felt his mother spoke to his girlfriend in an inappropriate way and he intervened and it resulted in the damage,” said probation officer Jerry Starnes.
Clarke said during a probation interview he had been in the relationship since October.
“His girlfriend quickly became pregnant and there was some doubt whether it was his child or her previous boyfriend’s, whch caused him some distress.
“He tells me he learned two weeks ago on Facebook she had miscarried. He says the relationship has ended,” added Mr Starnes.
Clarke (22) of Houfton Road, Bolsover, admitted damaging a 60-inch television belonging to Angela Clarke at Bolsover.
Deputy District Judge Andrew Davison intended to impose unpaid work but Clarke’s solicitor, John Wilford, said: “He thinks he can’t cope with being put into a work situation with other people.”
Mr Davison adjourned sentence until February 26 for medical evidence to be provided to support Clarke’s claim.
Mr Wilford said the offence was “an impulsive act” by Clarke, who had been living at his sister’s address.
The court was told he had relapsed into cannabis use following the death of his step-father.