Woman told police she was shouting at washing machine after domestic dispute reports

The woman and her partner Kevin Cruickshanks live in flats in South Shields above and below each other, South Northumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

“Cruickshanks appears to answer to drugs charges,” said Lesley Burgess, prosecuting. “These offences were discovered after police were called to an address in Devonshire Street by reports of a domestic dispute.

“The female householder explained the noise by saying she had been shouting at her washing machine.

“The officers asked if they could come in just to check everything was OK.

“Cruickshanks appeared at the door and was abusive, swearing at the officers, telling them to get away from his house.

“He was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace.”

The court was told a small quantity of cannabis and six ecstasy tablets were found when Cruickshanks was searched at South Shields police station.

Ms Burgess added: “He told the officers he had paid £10 for each of the drugs, and they were for his own use.”

Cruickshanks, 37, of Devonshire Street, South Shields, admitted possession of class A and class B drugs on October 12.

He has previous convictions for 101 offences, the details of which were not given in court.

Christopher Brown, defending, said: “Kevin suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which can cause him to react in strange ways to certain situations.

“The police were called to a domestic dispute which wasn’t, it was his partner shouting at the washing machine.

“Kevin didn’t see why in those circumstances the police needed to search his house.

“He made no effort to dispose of the drugs, they were still in his pocket when he arrived at the police station.

“Despite his lengthy record, he is clear of all fines and court orders.”

The magistrates conditionally discharged Cruickshanks for six months, and ordered him to pay £105 costs.

The drugs were confiscated and will be destroyed.