A man who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to his marital home following the breakdown of his relationship has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

Wayne Hudock, 38, of Stanley Close, Cantley, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Hudock had previously pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the property he had shared with his wife at Bowthorpe. The damage was said to have taken place between August 31 and October 23 last year.

Hudock had also previously admitted one charge of breaching a non-molestation order, part of which had specified Hudock must not damage property belonging to his wife.

Philip Charnley, prosecuting, told the court Hudock had caused extensive damage inside the house.

He said when Hudock's wife returned to the property in October last year among the vandalism she discovered was paint daubed in the hallway in all directions, pornographic pictures stuck on a cupboard, the words 'liar,' 'coward,' and 'thief' written on cushions, other graffiti in the house, and units removed from the kitchen.

He said Hudock's wife had said she felt devastated by the damage to her home and let down by Hudock.

Mr Charnley told the court a tradesman had valued the cost of the repairs needed to the home at nearly �5,000.

Julie Gowland, defending, said that Hudock fully accepted responsibility for his actions and was deeply remorseful. She said Hudock had offered to put right the damage he had caused.

Wendy Mantin, chairman of the bench, told Hudock both charges were very serious offences.

She gave him a 12-month community order with a supervision requirement, ordered him to do a total of 200 hours of unpaid work, and pay �3,292 in compensation.

A restraining order was also put in place banning Hudock from having any contact with his wife except through solicitors.