A MAN smashed crockery and broke a bannister when his ex-partner refused to give him money to buy alcohol.

Father-of-three Scott Cowles pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage when he appeared before district judge Bruce Morgan at Worcester Magistrates Court.

The 34-year-old, of Rainbow Hill, Worcester, had been to his former partner’s house in Dines Green to collect belongings when an argument over money erupted.

Douglas Marshall, prosecuting, told the court Cowles, who has “issues with alcohol”, had given his bank card to his ex-partner to stop him spending money on drink.

But when he went round he began “ranting and raving” about the card.

“The defendant went downstairs as if to leave, but on the way he grabbed the bannister and pulled,” said Mr Marshall.

“He was told to leave, but refused so the injured party threatened to call the police. He then took her mobile phone and threw it out into the driveway.”

Cowles, who waited for the police to arrive, later admitted he had lost his cool. It was whilst on bail for that offence Cowles returned to the victim’s address, let himself in and went through a handbag looking for money. He started smashing crockery when he could not find any.

Andrew Childs, defending, urged the judge to follow the recommendations made in a Probation Service report, adding that his client “deeply, deeply regrets what has happened”.

Cowles was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to complete a domestic abuse awareness programme and alcohol treatment course.

He was also made subject to a two-year restraining order which bans him from attending his ex-partner’s address unless it is to contact his children.