A lout who damaged property belonging to relatives of his former partner in a wrecking spree has been jailed.
Reece Jefferson had been in a relationship with the woman for seven years until January last year. He ended up being given a restraining order which prohibited him from contacting her after being convicted of harassment and criminal damage.
However, in May, they ended up in a pub together. Despite the woman being there willingly, Jefferson was in breach of the order. Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "Later that night the defendant embarked on a spate of criminal damage against various members of her family after an argument with her."
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Around 11.30pm, he went to her dad's home and he heard a smashing sound outside and when he looked out he saw Jefferson damaging his vehicle. He shouted at him and Jefferson replied "I will give you war" before running away. The victim found scratches and dents to the bodywork and it cost him £1,000 for repairs.
The woman's stepfather was at home in bed around midnight. He heard a loud bang and Jefferson shouting "I want my f****** dog back, she's got my dog" and telling him to contact her.
The police arrived after he had left but he returned around half an hour later, entering the front garden with a knife in his hand. He used the blade to bang on the window, causing it to crack then damaged the garden gate with the knife. He was left with an £840 bill for repairs.
Jefferson shouted at the man to come towards him but he feared for his safety so ran back inside. Jefferson then shouted: "Everyone that knows (the woman) is getting the same".
He then went to the home of the woman's cousin, who was away on holiday but had someone house-sitting. Jefferson smashed a window, causing £150 of damage, again shouting that he wanted his dog back.
The 29-year-old, of Pooley Road, Newcastle, who has nine previous convictions, pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order, three counts of criminal damage and possessing a bladed article. He was jailed for 20 months by Judge Julie Clemitson.
Laura Miller, defending, said: "He expresses that he is extremely disappointed in himself and embarrassed he is back before the court today. He is deeply ashamed his family have had to see him coming before the court again. He promised them last time he would never be back in this situation.
"When he got home his dog was missing and that sparked the conduct. He has always been a hardworking man."
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