'Weekend millionaire' caused £10,000 of damage trashing parents' house in money row
A man described by his father as a "weekend millionaire" trashed his parents' home with a hammer — causing around £10,000 worth of damage — due to him bearing a grievance over his allocation of money.
Perth Sheriff Court.
- By Paul Reoch
- Published in the Courier : 28.07.11
- Published online : 28.07.11 @ 03.24pm
Perth Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that Deryck Joss (23), of Skinnergate House, Skinnergate, Perth, broke into the house in Rattray and went on the rampage, breaking TV sets, ornaments of sentimental value and a tank of tropical fish, while he dripped blood from cuts on his hands.
Joss was sentenced to a community payback order for two years after he admitted that on July 14 this year at an address in Honeyberry Crescent, Rattray, he maliciously damaged the property of another, namely a fish tank, a microwave, kettle, various vases, two TVs, a computer table, computer, a display cabinet full of ornaments, a lamp, a CD stand, several mirrors and glass in patio doors and windows by striking them with a hammer.
He also pled guilty to a separate charge that on February 26 at the same address he conducted himself in a disorderly manner by shouting, swearing, banging on windows and kicking doors in an attempt to gain entry to the address and committed a breach of the peace.
In addition he admitted breaking a bail condition on June 26 by not remaining at Skinnergate House between 7pm and 7am.
Depute fiscal Robbie Brown told the court Joss was not "welcome" in his parents' home after the incident on February 26 when he banged on windows and kicked doors after arriving at the property drunk at 9pm.
"The accused trashed the house on July 14, causing £10,000 worth of damage," he said. "The items included some wedding presents of sentimental value that his parents had had for 30 years."
The court heard Joss's parents had control of his benefit money in case he "blew" it.
"This caused resentment," added Mr Brown. "At 2.30pm the parents left the house to go shopping and at 5pm the accused phoned the ambulance service to tell them he had broken into his parents' house and had cuts on himself.
"He told the police he had used a hammer from the shed and broken in via the patio doors and trashed the place. This included damaging a fish tank full of fish, ornaments, two TV sets, a computer and computer table."
"Some of the tropical fish were left dying on the floor. The accused had cut himself — there was blood on several of the carpets and bloodstains on some of the walls."
Representing Joss, solicitor Mike Tavendale said he was a "troubled young man."
He added, "My client was described as a 'weekend millionaire' by his father Gordon. Most of his offending behaviour is due to his difficulties with his parents. He is a cause of concern to his family.
"He has had behavioural problems and these have continued into his adult life. Clearly alcohol is the trigger and that is why he does not get money from his parents.
"Deryck can be a fine young man that can snap. I have been told the damage was around £5000 to £6000, which has been covered by insurance."
Sentencing Joss, Sheriff William Gilchrist told him, "These are serious matters."
He imposed a community payback order for two years with a condition that Joss undergoes supervision, conduct requirement and alcohol treatment and carries out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community, which is to be completed within six months.
The community payback order will be reviewed on September 28.
