Man kicked car door after his ex laughed at him

Mark Coombs admitted a charge of criminal damage to the red Rover Metro – which he co-owned with his former partner – on Thursday, May 15, when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Thomas Busby, prosecuting, said Coombs, of The Tyning, Droitwich, said the vehicle had been bought by him and his partner of seven years for £350 earlier in the year.

While his partner became the registered owner of the car, at the time she did not have a driving licence and was learning to drive, and so the vehicle was used by them both for work and to take their children to school.

When she was learning to drive, the vehicle was insured in Coombs’ name.

The couple separated in May and there was an argument between them both on the day the incident happened. The court was told Coombs was “clearly upset” and threw the keys into the dustbin.

“He saw his partner laughing at him and as a reaction he kicked that car once with his foot. It caused a dent 12 inches (30cm) by 12 inches,” said Mr Busby.

In mitigation, Judith Kenney said the car had been jointly owned, but that legally Coombs could still be prosecuted for the damage.

“The relationship broke up and he took nothing from the family home,” she said.

Miss Kenney said something seemed to “snap” during the argument, which is when he put the keys into the bin.

“She laughed at him and he found it humiliating. In frustration and in a fit of temper he kicked the door.”

Couples had arguments in their life and she did not believe Coombs should be in court because of it, she said.

“The court should not be troubled with this and there are no claims for compensation. Many disagreements happen behind closed doors.”

Magistrates fined 31-year-old Coombs a total of £50 costs and gave him a nine-month conditional discharge.

Chairwoman of the magistrates Mary Child said: “We have done all this to give you the opportunity to be in control of your temper. It’s up to you now, we have given you a big chance.”