A house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Dudley was left in disarray after a 23-year-old man damaged various items when he was unable to access his room.
Cameron Yates returned to the property on Marigold Crescent on July 21 while intoxicated. Upon finding he could not gain entry to his room, he became angry and upset, resulting in extensive damage to the communal areas.
Police were called to a reported disorder and found the HMO in a state of disarray. Prosecutor Zuzanna Pogorzelska told Dudley Magistrates' Court that multiple items, including door handles, hallway shelves and a bathroom radiator, had been broken and thrown on the floor.
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“Police were called to a disorder at a HMO and found the property in disarray with plenty of items broken,” she said. “The defendant returned home intoxicated and started smashing up the house. There is no value for the damage.”
Yates pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property during the hearing held on September 3. His defence solicitor, Irfan Qureshi, described Yates as vulnerable and suffering from numerous mental health issues.
Mr Qureshi explained: “When he returned home from drinking, he couldn’t get into his room. He got angry and upset and caused the damage.”
The magistrates ordered Yates, who is a recipient of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment and now resides on Highfield Road in Saltley, to pay £500 in compensation for the damage caused.