Jarnall Singh, a 48-year-old builder from Waterloo Road in Yardley, has been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation after using a hockey stick to smash the windows of a house during a heated argument with his son. The incident took place on June 25, when police were called to reports of ongoing disorder at the property.
According to prosecutors, witnesses saw Singh striking the house with the hockey stick. He was arrested at the scene, and the weapon was seized from his van. The damage was estimated to cost £1,000 to repair.
Court hearing and sentence
Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court this week, Singh pleaded guilty to criminal damage. District Judge Murray condemned the use of the sports equipment, stating that it had been "turned into an offensive weapon." He added, "I'm not sure if you regularly play hockey, but it's not a good idea to have a weapon like that."
Prosecuting, Ms Begum outlined the events: "On June 25, officers were called to Waterloo Road to an ongoing disorder. The defendant was seen smashing windows with a hockey stick. There were two individual witnesses. The defendant was arrested and a hockey stick was seized from the van. The damage will cost £1,000 to repair."
Background to the incident
Singh's solicitor, Mr Southern, explained that the outburst was triggered by an argument with his son, who had "become abusive to him." He said, "Mr Singh says he lost his temper, he told him to get out. He then took a hockey stick and smashed the windows. He has also done some work for Clear Housing who own the property, they owe him some money. It was frustration firstly from his son's behaviour."
Mr Southern added that Singh had "expressed genuine remorse" and had admitted to police that he smashed the windows. He assured the court that Singh had no intention of returning to the property to cause further damage.
Compensation order
The court ordered Singh to pay the £1,000 compensation at a rate of £100 per month. This will cover the cost of repairing the broken windows. The case highlights the serious consequences of losing one's temper, especially when a weapon is involved, even in the heat of a family dispute.
This incident serves as a reminder that using any object as a weapon, even a hockey stick, can lead to criminal charges and significant financial penalties. The court's decision reflects the need to deter such behaviour and ensure that victims are compensated for the damage caused.
