Droitwich man to pay £1,000 for damaging kicking stranger's car

A judge was extremely critical of Conrad Stewart asking his advocate "What is wrong with him?". 

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said a neighbour looked out the window of his home in Droitwich and spotted the 31-year-old damaging a car in the street causing hundreds of pounds of damage. 

The prosecutor said the incident happened at 2.20am December 25 last year, when the woman who owns the car was asleep. 

COURT: Conrad Stewart leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Mr Hambling said there had been little or no planning to the offence and it had cost the victim more than £700 to get it repaired.

The prosecutor said Stewart, of Oakham Green, Droitwich, had previous convictions including one for criminal damage in 2019. 

Stewart, who admitted criminal damage, was represented by Vaughn John Whistance.

He explained that Stewart had been drinking "too much" and had an argument with his partner before going outside. 

"He took his frustration out on an unknown person's car by kicking the door," the solicitor said.

"It has been years before he was last before the courts."

Mr Whistance said Stewart worked as a scaffolder and could afford to compensate the victim. 

The judge asked if the defendant had a drinking problem, Mr Whistance replying: "It is the  Christmas period. 

"People drink more than they would normally."

COURT: Stewart appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Sentencing him Deputy District Judge Vijaya Monro said: "It is wanton destruction for the owner, a woman minding her own business who finds out Christmas morning. 

"It is not fair is it?" 

Stewart replied: "Not at all."

"I hope you feel fully ashamed of yourself," the judge said.

"It is going to be a very expensive evening for you."

The judge fined Stewart £200 and ordered he pay £774 compensation, costs of £135 and £80 victim surcharge. 

Stewart offered to pay the £1,189 total at a rate of £100 each month - an offer which was accepted by the judge. 

Judge Monroe also made a fines collection order which means if he doesn't pay bailiffs can chase the money.

The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (August 17).