Man caused £1,000 worth of damage to a hotel before attacking a police officer
A man inflicted £1,000 of damage in a double act of vandalism at a hotel – and then attacked a policeman called to the scene, a court heard.
Gary Moore, 30, came to the attention of staff when tried to wrench the reception desk computer from its moorings at the Travelodge on Leam Lane, at Whitemare Pool.
Homeless Moore was restrained by security guards and a check of his bedroom revealed he had also damaged that on Tuesday, January 2.
He then grew aggressive towards an officer, at one point wrapping his legs around him and soon afterwards kicking him as he was being put into a police van.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard his antics were alcohol related, as was his most recent offence – a conviction for being drunk and disorderly in November.
Prosecutor Emily Hunt said: “A staff member heard loud shouting and banging coming from reception.
“They saw that the defendant was damaging the computer by attempting to rip it off the desk.
“He was restrained by security, who also checked his room and there was damage.
“An officer has attended, and the defendant has attempted to kick out towards him.
“From the floor, the defendant has wrapped his legs around the officer, stopping him from moving. He was warned to stop.
“When he was being put into the van’s cage, he kicked out, hitting the officer on his right leg, causing grazing and bruising.”
Moore pleaded guilty to charges of causing criminal damage and assault by beating of an emergency worker.
He was listed as causing damage to a mirror, chair, computer monitor, a ceiling tile and a wall,
His five previous convictions from seven offences include the drunk and disorderly, but he has otherwise not troubled the courts since 2015.
John Williams, defending, told District Judge Zoe Passfield a report was needed into Moore’s offending before he could be sentenced.
When asked by the judge the reason for his latest crimes, Mr Williams replied, “Alcohol”.
Judge Passfield adjourned for reports and granted Moore unconditional bail to be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, February 26.