A 27-year-old man from Bloxwich has been ordered to pay £500 compensation after he 'completely destroyed' the safety glass at a Pelsall off-licence during an angry outburst over change.
Brian Smith, of Goscote Lane, appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court on September 3, where he pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property. The court heard the incident took place on May 12 at Leamore Wines in Pelsall.
Dispute over £20 payment
Prosecutor Zuzanna Pogorzelska told the court that Smith entered the store to buy items but did not have enough money at the time. The shop owner agreed he could return later to pay.
According to the prosecution, when Smith came back and handed over £20, he became angry because he believed he did not get enough change. He began cursing and smashing the security glass, which was completely destroyed in the process.
Pogorzelska said: "He went into Leamore Wines to purchase some items but he didn't have enough money. The owner agreed he could come back later and pay. He returned and gave the shop keeper £20 and got angry because he believed he did not get enough change back. He started cursing and smashing the security glass, which completely destroyed it."
Mental health mitigation
In mitigation, the court heard that Smith had been struggling with his mental health and had sought support from the Dorothy Pattison Hospital in Walsall before the incident.
His legal representative said: "He was troubled, he goes to the store and there's a dispute because he thinks he was short-changed."
The court was also told that Smith is in receipt of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment. As part of the sentence, he was ordered to pay £500 in compensation for the damage caused to the store's glass.
