Colyton man pleads guilty to causing criminal damage and being in possession of a steak knife.

A Colyton man caused criminal damage and was found in possession of a steak knife in a public place after finding out his partner did not love him anymore.

Ross Anthony Mark Downs, 25, of Colyvale, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a wooden internal door and being in possession of a 15cm steak knife when he appeared at Central Devon Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday.

David Burgess, prosecuting, said on May 28 police received a call about an ongoing domestic incident and subsequently received a report that the defendant was “smashing up the house”.

On arriving at the scene, police found Downs standing at the front door. He then walked over to the officers saying “I’ve lost everything - arrest me”.

Downs’ partner, Rebecca Major, told police the defendant had “kicked off” after she had told him that she did not love him anymore, magistrates were told.

The court heard the defendant punched a wall, cutting his hand, and punched a hole in the internal door.

Before leaving the property, he picked up a steak knife which was later found by police in the waist band of Downs’ shorts.

The defendant told police he had taken the knife to make his partner think he was going to injure himself.

He also admitted to drinking vodka.

Mr Burgess said: “The knife was not used to threaten anyone and was not produced in dangerous circumstances.”

Rachel Bentley, defending, said: “He accepts he caused the damage and lashed out and should not have done it.

“He attempted to repair the damage.

“Mr Downs took the knife out of hope that his partner would think he was going to harm himself. There were no threats and no waving it about in dangerous circumstances. It was a desperate, misguided attempt to hold the relationship together.

“He regrets what he did and accepts the relationship is over.”

She told the court Downs’ former partner raised concerns about when he drinks and that his behaviour deteriorates as a result.

The case has been adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Downs will appear for sentencing on July 4 and has been remanded on unconditional bail.