A DROITWICH man has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 for damaging a car with an axe.
Duncan Reuben, 45, of The Holloway, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the vehicle – a Jaguar – to the value of £1,500 with intent to damage or destroy on Friday (December 4) at Worcester Magistrates Court.
Jackie Rogers, prosecuting, said: “The complainant, Mark Williams, parked his vehicle at the back of The Talbot Hotel in Hight Street, Droitwich and when he left it was in good condition.
“The defendant was recorded on CCTV on October 30, leaving the pub next door, going to his own vehicle and reversing back towards Williams’ car. He then got out carrying an axe and was seen swinging at the car, hitting the rear windscreen several times.
“He then moved to the driver’s side, swinging the axe again, before returning to his vehicle.
“He had his two ten-year-old children in his car at the time.”
Damage to the vehicle included smashed back and side windows and minor damage to the boot, according to Mrs Rogers.
Charmaine Robinson, defending, said: “Reuben said the victim had been abusive to him and an associate of the victim was winding him up in the pub. When he saw the vehicle, he ‘saw red’ and decided to damage it.
“Previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, he is a single parent and the main carer of his three children – twin sons aged ten and an 11-year-old daughter. He is also now attending anger-management classes.
“It is unclear whether the children would have seen the incident. The defendant is sure that the way the car was parked meant that they would not have seen anything.
“He is hoping to be able apologise to the victim and accepts his behaviour wasn’t acceptable.”
Magistrates fined Reuben £250 and ordered him to pay £135 court costs, charges of £150, a victim surcharge of £25, and £500 compensation
