A ‘FRUSTRATED’ man who forced open the door to his hotel room after having problems getting in has been ordered to pay more than £1,800.
Appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 1), 35-year-old Shaun Robinson pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal damage.
The court heard how Robinson of Port Tennant, Swansea had paid a ‘considerable’ amount of money to stay at Lamphey Court Hotel on January 15, but experienced on-going issues getting into his room.
Defending, Mr Garner told the court how Robinson had continual problems accessing his room since he arrived, after enjoying a few drinks in the hotel’s bar in the evening, Robinson then returned to his room, but he was again unable to enter.
Robinson spent an hour looking for a staff member to help him access his room, but was unable to locate anybody.
The defendant then forced the door open, Mr Garner added.
“My client had paid £400 for a room he cannot get into.”
Police were called to the hotel and Robinson was asked to leave the premises.
As the defendant had consumed alcohol, he knew he would be unable to drive so asked the police “where do you want me to go?”.
Mr Garner said from there, things spiralled and his client was caught in a “catch 22 situation”. He couldn’t stay at the premises, but couldn’t drive to find alternative accommodation.
Robinson was arrested.
The defendant complained about the tightness of the handcuffs which he claims left marks on his wrists and whilst being put into a police car he kicked out and damaged the door of the vehicle.
Mr Garner added: “Anyone would be frustrated.”
Robinson was fined £692 and must pay compensation of £1,000 to Lamphey Court Hotel.
The defendant was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £69 and £85 prosecution costs.
