South Normanton man smashed up car as ex planned move

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Thursday, May 28, how Christopher Stone, 25, of The Croft, at South Normanton, Alfreton, had visited his ex as she was preparing to move to Manchester.

Prosecuting solicitor Mike Law said: “Mr Stone turned up at his ex’s only to discover there were cardboard boxes outside as she was moving to Manchester and she didn’t want him to know exactly where. The defendant became upset and abusive and didn’t want her to move with their daughter.”

The court heard how Stone came back to the property later and smashed the windows of a car belonging to another man who had been seeing his ex partner at the time.

Mr Law explained that Stone said he was drunk and had smashed every window of the car with his fist which was wrapped-up in a t-shirt.

Stone pleaded guilty to causing damage to the car after the incident on April 18.

Defence solicitor Robert Sowter said: “The way he was told about the child was when he went to see the child. He then left the premises which showed there had been some thinking skills but he had a drink and went back.

“He accepts full responsibility and has apologised to his ex and he understands the impact it has had on her and her child and he seeks to apologise to the car owner. He saw a problem and reacted badly.”

District Judge Andrew Davison sentenced Stone to a 12 month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £800 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge, £85 costs and a £150 court charge.

Mr Davison warned Stone that if he commits another domestic-related offence he will go to prison.