Johnstown man's rampage slashing car tyres in Swansea was a 'cry for help'

A JOHNSTOWN man went on a three-month rampage, slashing the tyres of 51 different cars all parked on the same street as a "cry for help" a court heard.

Paul Jenkins, of Glan yr Ystrad, Johnstown, pleaded guilty to 51 counts of criminal damage and possession of a knife.

Jenkins, 28, caused damage to 51 cars all parked on Eaton Crescent, Swansea, between September and November this year, causing a total of £3,252 damage.

When he was arrested, a police officer had to use CS spray against him after Jenkins repeatedly refused to take his hands from his pockets and reveal the kitchen knife he had been using.

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Swansea Magistrates' Court heard Jenkins was caught on November 30 after a resident and his neighbour followed Jenkins after hearing a hissing noise and realising another car had been targeted.

Ruth Meyrick, representing Jenkins, said her client had been drinking heavily as well as taking medication. "He wants me to say he bears no malice towards any of the victims in this case. He's very remorseful. He said he didn't want to hurt anyone and he didn't understand the full consequences of what he was doing," said Mrs Meyrick.

Desperate

She said Jenkins, who has previous convictions including for assault, had described himself as being desperate after failing to secure a job.

"He says this was a cry for help," she added.

City magistrates declined jurisdiction and said Jenkins would have to be sentenced at crown court.

Pre-sentence and psychiatric reports were ordered.

Jenkins was given conditional bail until February 2.