‘Angry’ man broke into ex’s home and burned her things (From Worcester News)

‘Angry’ man broke into ex’s home and burned her things

10:30am Sunday 9th September 2012 in News By Tarik Al Rasheed

AN angry ex-boyfriend broke into his former partner’s house twice, smashing sentimental items and burning her possessions in a fit of “wanton destruction”, a court was told.

Edward Boult, aged 24, of The Holloway, Droitwich, admitted burning clothes and photos, breaking ornaments and stealing items belonging to former girlfriend Zoe Taylor when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court .

Mark Johnson, prosecuting, said Boult and Miss Taylor had gone on holiday to Devon with their young son in July.

But after an argument Miss Taylor told him she wanted him to move out of her rented home in Camp Hill, Droitwich, and he left the trip early.

He called Miss Taylor and when she told him he was not allowed in the house, he said: “I will get in some way and when I do I will smash everything up.”

Miss Taylor returned home to find her door jammed and a rear patio door smashed.

She found the property had been “completely trashed”, with various items damaged, her post opened and her driving licence missing.

Going upstairs, she found a similar situation and was particularly distressed to find jewellery and ornaments of “enormous sentimental value”, given to her by her late mother, missing.

Mr Johnson said she was too scared to remain in the house and went to stay at a local pub run by her father.

She returned to the house some days later, on July 27, to discover Boult had caused more damage, piling up photos and the contents of her wardrobe outside and setting fire to them.

Boult was arrested and admitted breaking in and causing the damage. He said he had problems with alcohol and anger and that Miss Taylor’s return had caused him to drink.

He was bailed on condition he did not contact Miss Taylor or enter Camp Hill.

However on Friday, August 24, Miss Taylor returned home at about 8pm to find her home had again been “smashed up”.

A framed picture of her son was missing and a gold-plated rose given to her by her father was also gone.

Police arrested Boult who initially denied being there, before keys to the property were found in his possession.

Mr Johnson said: “It cannot be underestimated the distress that this young woman must have felt to have her property trashed not just once, but twice. The sheer persistence beggars belief.”

In total Boult admitted one charge of arson, one of burglary, one of burglary with intent to damage, one of criminal damage and one of theft.

Chairman of the bench Stuart Allerton said the magistrates court’s sentencing powers were not great enough and that sentencing would be a matter for the crown court. He remanded Boult in custody to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, October 5.