A teenager who smashed a brick through Romford MP Andrew Rosindell’s Land Rover during the last general election campaign has been handed a community order.
Kieron Nickles, 18, was staying at his mother’s house in Highfield Road, Collier Row, on May 15, when he was woken by a voice from a megaphone saying: “Vote Andrew Rosindell, vote Conservative.”
The Tory MP and his team were out campaigning prior to the June election.
Mr Ali, defending, told Barkingside Magistrates’ Court: “He [Nickles] believed it was a breach of the peace, and so picked up a brick from the garden, and put it through the window.”
Mr Rosindell nor his staff were in the Conservative emblazoned four-by-four at the time it was smashed, however parliamentary assistant Chris Muspratt made off in pursuit of Nickles.
The have-a-go hero chased the vandal down Avalon Road, where he smashed through resident David Holgate’s fence and escaped.
Today in court Nickles, of Hillfoot Road, Collier Row, admitted causing £800 of damage to Mr Rosindell’s car, £21.36 to the fence and also breaching his youth rehabilitation order.
“Kieron is now 18, he is looking forward to becoming a father to his child, he is starting his GSGS qualification,” Mr Ali told the court.
“This means he will be able to work in construction. He is living in a semi independent hostel, and has applied for jobseekers’ allowance.”
Dr Myrna Gilbert, chairwoman of the bench, gave Nickles an eight-week community order, during which he will have to wear an electronic tag and remain at his home address between 9pm and 6am.
“There is no second chance this time,” Dr Gilbert said.
Nickles has to pay £300 in damages to Mr Rosindell, £21.36 to Mr Holgate and £170 to the court.
“I’m really trying to sort my life out,” Nickles told the bench.
Mr Rosindell, who has been Romford MP since 2001, said: “The most important outcome here was that the young man was caught and did not escape the law.
“While we were quite shaken, me and my team cracked on and finished our canvassing session that evening.
“Nothing will deter me from campaigning and speaking to my constituents.”
Mr Muspratt said he apologised to Mr Holgate about the broken fence, however “pursuing low level hooligans is always the right thing to do”.
The army reservist added: “Had he escaped and not been put through the courts, the invitation to more delinquency is obvious.
“Given the latest spike in moped enabled crime and anti-social behaviour which intimidates many local people, a small fine and curfew may appear to be a slap on the wrist to many.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here