A POWYS man with court fines totalling more than £10,000 has had another £700 added to it after he admitted damaging three cars in Newtown.

Edward Owen damaged wing mirrors, wipers and also scratched cars belonging to three different people on two separate occasions last year.

Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard this week the 29-year-old, who lives in the spa town, had initially denied all offences, but he entered three guilty pleas to criminal damage charges when appearing on Wednesday, April 26.

Owen damaged a black Audi belonging to Emma Davier-Jerman and then a blue BMW belonging to Carley Dean in Newtown on October 7, 2022. Further damage was caused to Howard Clements’ white BMW on December 5, with each offence said to have caused less than £5,000 worth of damage.

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Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said Owen, of Gwynfa, Lant Avenue, Llandrindod, denied each offence when he was arrested by police, but changed his plea after viewing CCTV footage.

“He was captured on CCTV, officers recognised the defendant as he is known to them,” said Ms Vaughan.

“Howard Clements is in the process of paying the £500 excess on his insurance following damage to a wiper and scratches on the car.

“We have not been able to contact Emma Davier-Jerman and for Carley Dean there was damage to her wing mirror but the car has since been scrapped so there is no compensation order.

“There were denials in interview but there has since been a change of plea.”

Gareth Walters, representing Owen, said his client can’t remember the incidents but accepts he was responsible.

“He was identified by officers from all three incidents,” said Mr Walters. “He can’t remember them but accepts he was identified.”

He added: “There are a lot of people involved in managing Mr Owen. He is currently on a previous community order which lasts until February 2024.

“The compliance has been poor from what it says in a pre-sentence report, but his mental health issues explain that.

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“He’s looking to move to supported accommodation in Cardiff. This might well help him as he won’t be isolated as he is here, he will be closer to agencies and a change might benefit him.

“By and large the harm he causes is to himself.”

It came to light ahead of sentencing that Owen has extensive fines related to previous offending, amounting to more than £10,000.

Magistrates fined him £70 for each offence and ordered him to pay an £84 surcharge. He must also pay Mr Clements £500 compensation and a £50 contribution towards compensation to Ms Davier-Jerman. They ordered no costs.