Man smashed his way into ex-lover’s flat - court

12:12pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

A DRUNK Worcester man climbed scaffolding and smashed his way into his ex-girlfriend's flat before assaulting her in front of her nine-month-old baby, a court heard.

Damien Beechey-Dore caused bruising to his former partner and cut her lip.

The 21-year-old, of Hallow Road, admitted a charge of assault by battery and a charge of criminal damage when he appeared before the city's magistrates on Monday.

Gemma Goode, prosecuting, said Beechey-Dore's ex-partner was told he had been arrested by police at about 8pm on December 1 last year.

"She went into town about 9pm to find the defendant outside McDonalds," she said. "They had an argument so she left. She got back to her address about 11pm after picking up her sister but the buzzer to the flat went off as soon as she got back."

Miss Goode said there was a conversation between the couple over the intercom system and Beechey-Dore was refused entry.

"At the time of the offence the roof was being repaired and he managed to climb up the scaffolding onto the balcony," she said. Miss Goode said Beechey-Dore was refused entry again so he started to headbutt the kitchen window and eventually broke into the flat.

"She ran into the bedroom and leaned up against the door to stop the defendant coming in," she said. "The defendant kicked the door really hard and she went flying."

Miss Goode said Beechey-Dore punched holes in the door and shouted at the woman."The defendant grabbed hold of her hair and swung her around really hard," she said.

"She smashed into the side of the bathroom door hard and banged her head - she thought it had been cut open."

Miss Goode said she was also punched in the mouth.

Miss Goode said Beechey-Dore caused £430.15 damage to the building, owned by Worcester Community Housing (WCH). In mitigation Paul Stanley said his client was taking steps to tackle his problems and wanted to start the relationship again. The court heard his partner also wanted to give it another go.

Magistrates sentenced Beechey-Dore to an 18-month community order with two supervision requirements. He was also made to pay £430 compensation to WCH, £100 to the victim, and £150 court costs.

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