Man fined after he was seen attacking bike with broomstick

Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard this week how CCTV footage captured Lee Wall taking a bike belonging to a stranger for a ride around the town’s Llanerch Inn on November 24 last year.

Wall, 34, was then seen throwing the bike and hitting it with a broomstick after getting frustrated because he had hurt himself.

Wall, of Llwynbrain Villas, Howey, admitted one charge of criminal damage when he appeared in the dock on Tuesday, July 7.

Wall, 34, was seen throwing the bike and hitting it with a broomstick after getting frustrated because he had hurt himself, with the incident taking place outside the Llanerch Inn. (Image: None)

The defendant caused £65 damage to a light on the Engwe Engine X bike, which belonged to Katie Humphreys.

Prosecutor Victoria Vasey said the offence was committed while Wall was subject to a crown court suspended sentence order – handed to him in September last year for dealing cocaine in the spa town. Wall admitted breaching that order.

“The defendant was in the pub with two other males on that afternoon, around 4.30pm, when they went out into the smoking area,” said Ms Vasey.

The offence was committed while Wall was subject to a crown court suspended sentence order – handed to him in September last year for dealing cocaine in the spa town. (Image: None)

“He found a bike parked there, which belonged to another patron. CCTV captured him having a go. He rode it, got off, then, for reasons unclear from the video, he threw it and started hitting it with a broom.

“This caused damage to the lights. The bike’s owner has been quoted £65 from the bike shop for the damage.”

She said the offence put Wall in breach of his suspended sentence, but she described this offence as low-level and impulsive.

Sophie Jones , acting for Wall, said the defendant had recently been released after five months spent in custody at the time of the offence.

“He’d lost his house and employment while in prison, his partner was struggling financially," she said. "He was struggling mentally and he is also a recovering drug addict.

“He was with some old friends, this was the first time he’d been out since being released.

“He drank alcohol, too much. He was in a fragile mental state and should not have consumed any.

“He drove the bike down some steps, and in the process hurt his shin on the bike, so then he hit it with a brush. It was done out of frustration and while intoxicated.”

Ms Jones said he was now in a "very different mental state", and is in full-time work as a civil engineer.

Chair of the bench, Karen Williams, said: “This was an expensive bike ride. We hope you’ve learned your lesson.”

She added: “We’re pleased to see you doing well on your order.”

Magistrates fined Wall £169 and said he must pay £100 compensation. He was also told to pay a £68 surcharge and £85 costs.