A MAN who smashed up more than £1,000 worth of property at a homeless shelter has been handed a community order.
Michael Hill, of Cae Llys Close in Connah's Quay, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The 38-year-old admitted that on June 14, he damaged numerous items at Glanrafon Night Centre in Queensferry.
Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told the court that at around 5.45am Hill had been asked to leave the centre due to his verbal aggression towards staff.
He took up an iron bar and smashed the windows in his room, followed by a microwave, a TV, a fire door window, a plastic screen over the entrance desk and a glass panel over an entrance door.
A complaint was made to North Wales Police, with the estimated cost of the damage exceeding £1,000.
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When interviewed by officers, he admitted causing the damage, telling them he was asked to leave without warning which left him without a place to stay.
He said he'd "lost his head."
Steve Coupe, defending, told the court: "He is a defendant with a criminal history but has had nothing before the court in five years.
"[This] offence is more than a simple allegation of damage - this is a man who has previously served in the British Army and was recently diagnosed with PTSD.
"His anxiety was heightened at the time."
Mr Coupe added the defendant's relationship had been "fractious" over the years, but he is "making an effort" and his relatives are supporting him.
Major Michael James, chair of the magistrates, said: "We cannot condone what you did.
"You had an unsettling time - picking up an iron bar and smashing up the place, costing £1,000.
"We appreciate you are in a low place."
The court handed down a 12 month community order, with 19 rehabilitation sessions to develop thinking skills.
Hill was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the Glanrafon Centre - with court costs and victim surcharge being waived.
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