A "self-centred" dad turned up at the mother of his child's home at 3am and smashed up her car and yelled through the window. Ashley Robinson then forced his way into her house, took her keys and drove off in the car that he had damaged moments earlier.
The 33-year-old was released from custody following a hearing at Bolton Crown Court as a judge said that his 'hands were tied' by sentencing guidelines in terms of the maximum jail term he could hand out.
Robinson, of Musgrave Gardens, Bolton, had been in a "troubled relationship" with the victim, the court was told. Earlier this year, the pair were not living together and Robinson had tried to contact the woman several times on February 11.
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She turned her phone off because she "didn't want to talk" but Robinson eventually managed to get through at 2.30am the following morning. Within half an hour, Robinson had turned up at her house and started throwing stones at her bedroom window.
The victim told Robinson to "be quiet" and to "think of the children". Instead, he responded: "If you want to cheat on me, this is what happens."
Robinson picked up a brick and used it to damage the car, before jumping on the bonnet. He then forced his way into the house, damaging the front door in the process.
He told the woman: "It’s not over, its a waiting game". The court heard that Robinson then picked up her car keys and left in her car.
Robinson, who was serving a community order at the time of the incidents, pleaded guilty to stalking and two counts of criminal damage. "This was appalling behaviour from a man in his mid-30s, with a lengthy criminal record," the judge, Recorder Jeremy Lasker said to Robinson, who appeared in court via a video link from prison.
Defending, Nick Ross said: "He is a young father with a lot of growing up to do." Mr Ross also asked Recorder Lasker to re-impose Robinson's community order.
The court heard that Robinson has a string of previous convictions for crimes involving domestic abuse, and failing to abide by court orders.
"It is pretty apparent to me that you simply have no respect for other people, other people's properties, or the courts," Recorder Lasker said. "You think wrongly that the world revolves around you, your needs and your wishes, with no thought for anyone but yourself. You are completely selfish and self-centred.
"This was carried out in February, during a court community order that was only imposed on January 19. Your case has given me anxious consideration.
"My sentencing powers are very limited. I feel like to a degree my hands are tied."
Recorder Lasker sentenced Robinson to 22 weeks imprisonment but due to having been on remand since his arrest on February 12, he will be released from custody immediately. He also re-imposed the community order from earlier case.
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