Lee Smith case 1/5/19

Lee Smith, 42, from Clacton-On-Sea appeared at Colchester Magistrates court 1stMay 2019 for a charge involving damage to police property.

Prosecutor, Natalie Anforth told the court that the damages amounted to £831.90.

Anforth continued by stating Mr Smith headbutted the window which then shattered in front of him leading to officers carrying out an arrest and taking him to the police station for questioning.

The defendant claimed he was experiencing a ‘bad time’ in his personal life due to the breakdown of a 17-year relationship along with no longer being in contact with three step children he had looked after for the majority of their lives.

In addition, he told the police he was suffering with depression, along with the death of 3 members of his family and friends – the Judge accepted that the defendant’s personal circumstances.

On the day in question Smith stated he was ‘frustrated with the system’ and had consumed ‘a couple of whiskeys’ beforehand.

Mr Smith told the court he was shocked that the window had smashed as this wasn’t his intention.

Smith’s defence stated that the defendant generally is a good character and has only appeared in court before 2010.

Furthermore, Smith’s defence told the court that the defendant had completed previous community service in a 2- week period which shows ‘good progress’.

Smith’s defence also stated that the defendant is now in a stable relationship and is in regular contact with his 17-year old son.

With this in mind, he had previously told the police he was willing to sell his motorbike in order to pay for the cost of the damages.

Towards the end of Smiths hearing, the court received confirmation of the completion of the unpaid work which was taking into consideration, along with his guilty plea.

Mr Smith was charged with a stand-alone compensation order to be paid directly to the court.

In reflection, this case was simple to report on as the facts were given in a straight forward manner and the defendant cooperated with the court.

EB