Hartlepool man smashed window after his 'unwanted advances' were rejected

The court heard Lee Orton was made unwelcome after he made unwanted advances to a girl at the Hartlepool home.

Orton smashed the window at about 1am, Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard.

“He tried to kiss a girl and was rebuffed,” said Emma Cruickshank, prosecuting.

“The window was smashed after the party had broken up.

“Later that day, Orton returned to the house to collect his jacket.

“The host of the party challenged him about the window and he replied that he had broken it.

“The window cost £200 to replace.”

Orton, 21, of Kendal Road, Belle Vue, Hartlepool, admitted committing criminal damage on February 24.

He has three previous convictions.

John Relton, defending, said: “Mr Orton is lightly convicted.

“This was a stupid thing to do, a bad error of judgement in the heat of the moment.

“The bench may feel paying compensation for the broken window is the appropriate penalty.”

Orton was ordered to pay £400 in fines, costs, and compensation.

The money will be deducted weekly from his benefits.