Man damaged his parent’s Ring doorbell after being locked out of their South Shields home
A son damaged his parents’ Ring doorbell in anger after being locked out of their South Tyneside home by his brother, a court heard.
Lewis Jenkins, 26, ripped it from the South Shields property while his mum and dad were away on holiday and his sibling was inside.
His solicitor admitted Jenkins, of Sheridan Road, Biddick Hall, had done so after losing his temper on Saturday August 23.
Appearing before borough magistrates, he pleaded guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage and was ordered to pay £80 compensation.
Prosecutor Jade Houston said: “On August 22, this defendant attended his parents’ property, despite being told he wasn’t welcome.
“His brother had barricaded the back door to stop the defendant from getting through.
“He attended again on August 23, to find that he was unable to get through the back door.
“He rang the doorbell and was told that he wasn’t welcome. He broke the £80 Ring doorbell.
“This offence is aggravated by the fact that he was under the influence at the time.
“The crown would ask for £85 court costs, compensation for the Ring doorbell and a restraining order not to contact his brother.”
Jenkins has four previous convictions from six offences and was last before a court in October 2023 for a dissimilar matter.
David Forrester, defending Jenkins, who is soon to start work in retail, said: “His mum and dad were away on holiday and, basically, his brother locked him out of the house.
“He lost his temper and damaged the Ring doorbell and threw it away, causing £80 of damage.
“His brother has now moved out and lives in Sunderland with his girlfriend. Lewis is going back home to live with his parents.
“He’s been on bail for six months and has not been able to visit his parents. He and his parents are now reconciled.”
Magistrates fined Jenkins £120, with £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge, and ordered he pay his parents full compensation.
They refused the prosecution’s request to impose a restraining order on behalf of Jenkins’ brother, of whom he told the court, “I still love him”.
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