Stephen Collins, 36, of Cramond Way, Blyth, was part of a group that smashed windows and a door of a rented flat in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, using an axe. The attack occurred on August 18, 2024, and was captured on CCTV.
Mistaken identity leads to damage
Collins claimed he had gone to the area after being “harassed” for becoming “involved” with someone’s partner, Newcastle Moot Hall heard. However, he targeted the home of an entirely innocent person. The victim’s sister called him to report that a man had attended his address and caused the damage.
Prosecutor Claire Armstrong said: “The defendant was seen [on CCTV] carrying an axe, along with two others. The defendant smashed the kitchen window and front door.” The damage amounted to around £500.
Arrest after car crash
Collins was later arrested following a car crash where members of the public told officers he had been involved. He confirmed he was a rear passenger at the time; the driver had left the scene. The axe was found in the vehicle, along with a knife and a metal pole.
Collins had three previous convictions for six offences. Defence lawyer Lorraine Mustard said Collins was “remorseful” and asked for credit for his guilty pleas.
Sentence handed down
Judge Thomas Moran sentenced Collins to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation and £150 costs, and to undertake 150 hours unpaid work. The judge said: “You went to an address. You say someone had been harassing you after being involved with his partner. You got the wrong house and damaged the property of completely innocent people.”
