Skegness man found guilty of criminal damage was sitting on surprised homeowner’s sofa
A man guilty of criminal damage left a homeowner “shocked” when she discovered him sitting on her sofa.
Steven Clayton, 41, entered a house – which he believed to be his friend’s home in Skegness – just after midnight on December 1.
To get in the property, he damaged the garden gate and patio door of the house.
Prosecutor Alison Mcllroy told the court that the female homeowner called police when she was discovered Clayton sitting on her sofa.
After officers arrived, Clayton explained he did not know what house he was in.
The court was told that Clayton, who was “very intoxicated”, went through the door with “such force” that it had now broken away from the frame.
Police discovered Clayton was in possession of cannabis.
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The court was also told that Clayton had a “significant number” of previous convictions, with his last being in 2020.
In defence, Philippa Chatterton said that Clayton had no intention to steal and this was a “rare case of damage”.
She added that the night of the incident was the first time his partner of four years had gone away overnight and he had gone out with friends.
“He doesn't know why he had cannabis on him, but he was with friends that night who may have influenced him”, added Miss Chatterton.
Clayton was also showing “positive signs” of battling a heroin addiction, Miss Chatterton informing the court that he was testing negative for opioids but positive for subutex, a heroin substitute.
Clayton lives in Eastview Terrace, Skegness, with his partner and two children, with another baby on the way.
The defence added that Clayton would “not be going out again” and would “hopefully not be before the court again” with the impending arrival of a new baby.
Clayton pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal damage and possessing a Class B drug in Boston Magistrates Court on Wednesday (December 20).
Judge Veits also ordered the cannabis be forfeited
Clayton, who receives universal credit, was ordered to pay £300 in compensation and £85 in prosecution costs.
On hearing his fines, Clayton said: “I can’t believe what I have done.”