Court issue fine after window damaged in High Street.

It was a costly night out for a Honiton man after he was fined by a court for causing �900 worth of criminal damage.

Steven John Crompton, of Jerrard Close, pleaded guilty to damaging a window belonging to Bay Associates in High Street when he appeared at Devon Central Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

The court heard that on November 27 police were called to the area after they received a report from a member of the public saying that a man had broken a window.

Officers came across the defendant and his friend walking away from the scene.

They noticed Crompton’s left hand was covered in blood and, when questioned, the 22-year-old told them he had fallen out with his girlfriend and had punched the window.

As a result, �900 worth of damage was caused to the window which had been covered by the company’s insurance.

However, the business was forced to pay an excess of �350.

Crompton told the court that he had been drinking on the day in question and angry after having an argument with his girlfriend.

He said: “I don’t have a problem with alcohol.

“I don’t drink a lot, but I had drunk more than usual.

“It was just the anger - I wouldn’t say I have an anger problem, but the two mixed together.”

Crompton was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay �350 to Bay Associates.

The chairman of the bench, Edwina Bradshaw, said: “We are going to give you a conditional discharge, so you must keep out of trouble for the next 12 months.

“However, if you don’t keep out of trouble the new offence and this offence will be taken into account.”

She added: “It was an awfully expensive night out for you.”