DRUNKEN LOVER'S BREAK-IN ENDS IN VANDALISM FINE
A man named Charles Hanratty, aged 33, attempted a late-night, drunken gesture to reconnect with his former partner by going to her home in Westhill.He spent his last money on a 3am taxi from Aberdeen to Westhill.
Upon arrival, he loudly banged on doors and windows, attempting to wake her up.
When he struck the kitchen window, which was already cracked, it shattered.
Realizing she was not at home, Hanratty decided to climb into her house to wait for her or to stay until the morning, intending to persuade her to rekindle their relationship.
His actions drew the attention of a neighbour, who saw Hanratty knocking repeatedly on the front door and trying to get inside.
When there was no answer, Hanratty moved to the back of the property, where he was heard breaking the kitchen window and was later found inside the house refusing to identify himself or explain his presence.
An Aberdeenshire Council housing officer responded after being called by the neighbor, and Hanratty was found inside the property.
He pled guilty to vandalism.
Defense lawyer John Hardie explained that Hanratty’s four-year relationship with his ex had ended earlier that summer and that his late-night actions were fueled by alcohol and a desire to persuade her to come back to him.
He claimed that the broken window was already cracked and that Hanratty went inside to wait for her to return or for a bus the following morning.
Hanratty expressed apologies for his behavior.
The court, presided over by Sheriff Rhona Wark, sentenced Hanratty to a fine of £85 for vandalism.
