Car smashed up with sledgehammer

A 20-year-old smashed up a car with a sledgehammer after his girlfriend told him she was having an affair, a court heard.

A 20-year-old smashed up a car with a sledgehammer after his girlfriend told him she was having an affair, a court heard.

Shane Bindley admitted causing more than �2,300 of damage to the vehicle, which belonged to his partner's dad, during an alcohol-fuelled revenge attack.

Gary Mayle, prosecuting, told Cromer magistrates the couple began arguing in the early hours of January 31.

He said: 'She had admitted she was having sex with another man. He was very angry. He went to his flat, came out with a sledge hammer and went over to the car his girlfriend drives, owned by her father.'

Bindley, of Mundesley Road, North Walsham, smashed windows and dented the roof, door and boot of the car.

Mr Mayle said the defendant, who lives at a hostel run by the Benjamin Foundation, had been honest with police when he was arrested. 'He said he was paralytic after drinking about 15 pints and numerous shots. He fully admitted the offence - he took the sledge hammer and intended to do damage.'

In mitigation, Rob Pollington said most people would have lost their temper having just been told their girlfriend was sleeping with someone else.

Bindley was given a 12-month community order, requiring him to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work. He was also told to pay �600 in compensation to cover the owner's insurance excess.

The sledge hammer will be destroyed.