Row at child's birthday party lead to smashed television

Hungerford man appears before magistrates

AN ENRAGED Hungerford father who had been drinking at his child’s birthday party smashed the television and threw paint up the walls.

Newbury magistrates heard that Edward Anthony Ruta’s mother had reimbursed his estranged wife for the £820 damage the day before the hearing on Thursday, October 1.

Zainab Mohamed, prosecuting, said: “He had been invited to one of his children’s birthday party but there was an argu-ment.

“This defendant picked up the remote control and threw it at the television, causing it to smash.”

The 35-year-old’s wife left the scene and returned later to find paint daubed across the walls the court heard.

Ms Mohamed added: “His mother gave her the money to pay for the damage yesterday, so there is no claim for compensation.”

Mr Ruta, of Wessex Close, admitted causing criminal damage in Hungerford on August 22.

He also has previous convictions, magistrates were told.

Mike Davis, defending, said: “A lot of the previous convictions involve his wife.

“They have three children and remain married, but live seperately.

“He had had quite a lot to drink and takes medication which he probably shouldn’t mix with alcohol.

“The children were not present when this happened.”

Magistrates fined Mr Ruta £150 and ordered him to pay a £150 criminal courts charge with £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.