Town hall hammer man 'wanted to be caged'
Published Date:
21 July 2008
A DESPERATE drug addict smashed Town Hall windows with a hammer because he wanted to go to prison to kick his habit, a court heard.
Gerald Maughan, 38, appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court today (Monday July 21) after being charged with £800 worth of criminal damage.
The court heard how irate Maughan wielded a club hammer to smash windows at Town Hall in front of terrified council workers - because he wanted to go to jail.
The court also heard how Maughan, of Wye Close, Broadfield, can't afford to pay for the damage leaving council tax payers to foot most of the bill.
Defending Geoff White said: "He recognises now that he was not thinking straight.
"He caused the damage in order to get sent to prison to get help for his drug problem. It was a dramatic effort to bring things to a head.
District judge Roger Ede said: "When people see broken glass in such a public place it makes them feel insecure.
"I can't order you to pay the full amount because it would take too long. Local residents will have to pay for the damage."
Maughan was handed a community order with a 12 month supervision requirement. He was also ordered to pay £365 compensation.
The full article contains 216 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
24 July 2008 8:07 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Crawley
