South Tyneside dad damaged a TV, wardrobe and a window at his ex's home and telephoned her to say he'd 'smashed her house up'

Kieran McElwee, 25, of Beaufront Terrace, Jarrow, smashed a TV, wardrobe and a window at his ex’s property in South Shields on or around New Year’s Day, a court heard.

And between New Year’s Eve and January 4, he also phoned her to demand to know where she was – and barged into a neighbour’s home, wrongly believing she was inside.

He had not acted aggressively towards her during their seven-year courtship, magistrates in South Tyneside were told.

Prosecutor Alan Davison said: “She describes a non-violent relationship with Mr McElwee, and they have a three-year-old daughter together.

“About 18 months ago, the relationship faltered, and both found other partners but then got back together before ending.

“Last March he continued to contact her and demanded to know where she was. When she refused to get back together, he threatened to self-harm.

“She was out with friends and he demanded to know where she was. He threatened to smash her house.

“He telephoned her again and said that he had smashed her house up.”

Mr Davison added: “On January 3 a neighbour heard a loud bang from her house. He was shouting, ‘Open the door’.

“The neighbour again heard him shouting. She opened her door and he barged inside and demanded to know where his former partner was. She wasn’t present at the address.”

Amy Hossack, defending, said: “Unusually in a case like this, he was fully open with police about how she must have felt.

“He is remorseful. They had been in a relationship for seven years, they were in a good relationship for a long time.

“When they did split up, she met another partner very quickly. It was absolutely devastating to him. He says he would never have harmed her.

“She has confirmed there were never any issues. She is keen to see how he is doing.”

McElwee pleaded guilty to criminal damage and stalking involving fear of violence.

The case was adjourned for reports to the same court on Monday, September 7, and he was granted unconditional bail.

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