Motorist avoids jail after sledgehammer rampage at Subaru

Frustrated man who attacked car at Subaru dealership gets suspended sentence and a £20,000 court bill

Motorist avoids jail after sledgehammer rampage at Subaru
The Subaru dealership at Folly Hall, Huddersfield where the incident took place. Image: Google Street View.

David Smith caused £15,000 worth of damage to a Subaru Impreza at a dealership near Huddersfield after he became frustrated with the problems on a car that he got from the garage, the Huddersfield Examiner has reported.

Leeds Crown Court heard that bi-polar disorder sufferer Smith returned to the dealership on June 28, over a month after his purchase of an Impreza, in relation to a fault which technicians could not identify.

Smith said that he wanted his money back but was told that the further inspection was required at which point he left the forecourt before returning with a sledgehammer to attack another car.

Louise Pryke, prosecuting, said that Smith then sat down and awaited the arrival of police.

He immediately admitted to his actions later pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage.

Laura McBride, mitigating on behalf of the 50-year-old, of Morefield Bank, Holmfirth, said that her client had expressed “genuine remorse” and was willing to pay back the £15,000 in damage caused to the Subaru.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, handed Smith a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

He was ordered to pay £5,000 compensation immediately and the rest at £1,000 a month.

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