Kidderminster rampage labourer walks free from court (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kidderminster rampage labourer walks free from court

2:36pm Thursday 17th December 2009

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A LABOURER who went on a drunken rampage in Kidderminster town centre and caused £14,000 damage by smashing shop windows has walked free from court.

Royston Carter told police when he was arrested that he had lost his job, his family home and had alcohol problems, said Kerry Moreton, prosecuting.

Carter, 47, of Bradley Thursfield Court, Kidderminster, who admitted six counts of criminal damage and one of assault on police, was given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years at Worcester Crown Court.

He was also ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work, undertake an alcohol treatment programme and be supervised by the probation service for 12 months.

Miss Moreton said Carter walked along Vicar Street at 8.45pm on April 17 armed with a four-foot long piece of wood. He was caught on CCTV as he walked along smashing windows and doors. In all, 15 windows were smashed at six premises. He had kicked a policeman on the shin when he was arrested.

Carter, of previous good character, had found his life going into a downward spiral, said Abigail Nixon, defending. In addition to being made redundant, his 10-year relationship had broken up and he had lost his home.

He had moved out to what was known locally as "Heartbeak Hotel" where six or seven men shared accommodation with cell-like rooms. His benefit had dried up and he resorted to drinking while taking medication. He desperately wanted help.

Judge Alistair McCreath described Carter's behaviour as "bizarre" but recognised that his life had suddenly fallen apart. His actions were a cry for help and a gesture of hopelessness.

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