Landlord backs vandal tenant

From the archive, first published Wednesday 18th Apr 2007.

A landlord attended court in support of his former tenant - even though he had left his property doused in white paint.

Skipton magistrates heard how Jason David Harker threw paint all over the walls, carpet and furniture of the shared house in a drunken rage.

However, the owner of the rented property on Skipton's Devonshire Street refused to ask for compensation as he claimed for the damage on his insurance and said he was sorry to lose such a "good tenant".

Prosecuting, Teresa Taylor said that the 20-year-old defendant co-habited on Skipton's Devonshire Street with a female housemate.

Harker turned up at the house drunk and splashed white paint all over the walls, carpet and furniture, causing damage estimated at £600.

Defending, Jill Darrington described Harker's actions as "very stupid".

She said a conflict arose over living arrangements and that her client, who now lived on Keighley Road, had a previous conviction for violence.

Harker pleaded guilty to two offences of damage to household effects and fittings.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 12 months' supervision and 40 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to attend anger management classes and pay £43 in costs.