A POWYS man has been told he will not be punished for causing £100 of damage to a flat door, so long as he stays out of trouble for the next 18 months.

Chip shop worker Brian Jones, 24, admitted kicking in a door at a residential property in Llandrindod Wells on March 18 this year, and was handed a conditional discharge at court this week.

Jones, of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the communal door at a set of flats in the spa town in August. He had denied a separate charge of threatening behaviour during the same incident, but Llandrindod Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday, October 15, that this charge had been discontinued.

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Shane Maddocks, prosecuting, said Jones had been trying to gain entry to a flat where Jac Jones was staying, as there had been disagreements regarding family members and friends of both parties.

“The complainant heard a voice out in street, shouting,” said Mr Maddocks.

“The defendant kicked in a main door then ran into the communal area and began shouting. The damage to the door was valued at £100 and belonged to a man called Phil Evans.”

Gurleen Kaur, representing Jones, said he had some previous convictions that had an element of violence, but this was her client’s first offence against property.

“He has been compliant with police and has offered to pay compensation to repair the door,” said Ms Kaur.

“He is remorseful. He did not intend to cause damage.”

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She said there had been ongoing issues with the occupant of flat and said Mr Jones had mentioned threats against his family.

“He was there that night as he suggested to the complainant that they sort this out. The complainant refused to come out.”

Magistrates handed Jones a conditional discharge for 18 months, meaning he won’t be punished for the offence as long as he keeps his nose clean for that period.

He was told to pay £100 compensation to the landlord, as well as £85 costs and a £26 surcharge to the court.