Alexa row in court over damage to doors in Welshpool

Joshua Whitbread, 21, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court after police were called to the property on July 16 last year, where an officer could hear him shouting aggressively inside.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said Whitbread’s then-partner phoned police to report that he was damaging doors inside her home. She had made breakfast for him that morning and left him in bed. Later, he turned off Alexa, the smart speaker, and when she asked him why, he became aggressive.

“He was in her face telling her to ‘f*** off’, and then hit the lounge door, causing a hole halfway up it,” Mrs Tench said. The victim left the house with her son in a pram, and as she walked away, Whitbread shouted “f*** off” from the bedroom window loudly enough for neighbours to hear.

Joshua Whitbread was sentenced at Welshpool Magistrates' Court. (Image: Newsquest)

When she returned, she found another hole in an upstairs door. The court was told both doors belonged to housing association Barcud and were valued at £150 each.

DC Clark attended the property and found Whitbread still shouting, with blood visible on his nose. The officer called for him to calm down to ensure the safety of those inside.

Whitbread later apologised and admitted he had kicked the downstairs door and headbutted the upstairs one. He told officers his mental health was “not great” and that he struggled with anger over “the smallest issues”. He denied shouting in his girlfriend’s face but admitted telling her to “f*** off”. He said his medication for mental health and sleep was causing negative side effects.

Whitbread had been offered an out-of-court settlement but failed to pay for the damage within the required timeframe.

In mitigation, solicitor Owain Jones said Whitbread, who is of no fixed abode and on benefits, simply could not afford to pay within three months.

“It’s a shame it’s come to the court’s attention,” he said. “You will see he is a man of previous good character. This is the first blemish on his record. He’s 21 years of age and life’s difficult for him. He is remorseful.”

Whitbread, now living in temporary accommodation in Shrewsbury, was ordered to pay £497, covering the cost of the two doors along with court fees and fines, after pleading guilty to criminal damage.