A 27-year-old man has been fined for punching a hole in a wall and smashing windows following an argument about social media messages.

Luke Smitherman admitted causing criminal damage to a property in Llansantffraid on September 13. He appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 12 via video link from HMP Berwyn where he had been remanded in custody for almost four weeks.

The court heard that police officer found the house was “trashed”, with a chip pan and oil “all over the floor” and “spots of blood”. Officers also found a side window was smashed with shards on the floor.

Melissa Griffiths, defending, said an argument occurred about Snapchat messages which Smitherman had “misinterpreted”.

She said medical issues caused him to be frustrated. Ms Grifffiths said Smitherman had punched the wall and smashed the windows in a “spur of the moment”.

The court heard that Smitherman has since paid for the damage, and the windows have been replaced at the property.

Magistrates said they would deal with the case by fining Smitherman, of Winllan Lane, Llansantffraid, £40, with court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £34.