Door-to-door salesman ordered to pay compensation by Norwich magistrates after damaging gate at property in Taverham he slammed shut ‘in a temper’ after failing to make a sale

A man who was selling door-to-door has been ordered to pay compensation after he damaged a gate he slammed shut after he failed to make a sale, a court has heard.

Damien Smith, 18, appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court today, where he pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage to a wall and gate at a property in Taverham.

Denis King, prosecuting, said Smith, of Spencerfield Crescent, who, together with a number of other people was selling in the area, had gone to an address in Taverham late on Sunday afternoon.

The occupier, who was house sitting for the owners who were on holiday, asked for identification and said she did not want to buy anything.

Mr King said: 'He went off in a temper and in doing so slammed the gate causing damage to metalwork and bricks.'

When interviewed Smith said it was an accident and he did not damage the gate on purpose.

Mr King added the offence put Smith in breach of a conditional discharge imposed in August last year in relation to two offences, criminal damage and failing to surrender.

Smith, who represented himself, said: 'I was a bit hot headed but it was just an accident.'

He was ordered to pay �50 compensation by magistrates who left the conditional discharge in place.