Man given restraining order after damaging ex's car

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 05:43 · Archive

Simon Hewstone, 41, was given a restraining order after punching through his former girlfriend's car window while drunk.

Simon Hewstone, 41, of Weight Road in Chelmsford, has been given a restraining order after punching through the rear window of his former girlfriend's Audi A1 during a drunken argument at an address in Witham. He also attempted to break another window on the vehicle. The defendant was initially charged with two counts of criminal damage, stalking, using violence to secure entry to premises, assault by beating, and common assault. However, he pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, and no evidence was offered for the remaining charges at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Rhys Higginson, mitigating for Hewstone, said his client had been struggling with alcohol and drug abuse at the time of the offence but has made significant changes in the 18 months since. He explained that Hewstone has been diagnosed with ADHD for which he now receives medication, has substantially reduced his drinking, and is remorseful, as evidenced by his early guilty plea. "At the time of the offence, he was in a very different place to the one he is in now," Higginson told the court.

Judge Chris Morgan, having reviewed footage of the incident, said the offence was aggravated by its domestic context. He described Hewstone as 'a verbal and intimidating bully' who had been unable to deal with issues arising from his recent separation from the victim. The judge imposed the restraining order as a result.

How it is being reported

• 'Verbal and intimidating bully' given restraining order against ex-girlfriendAn aggrieved ex described as “a verbal and intimidating bully” has been given a restraining order after smashing his former girlfriend’s car window.Colchester Gazette · 9 Oct, 05:00
• 'Verbal and intimidating bully' given restraining order against ex-girlfriendAn aggrieved ex described as “a verbal and intimidating bully” has been given a restraining order after smashing his former girlfriend’s car window.Echo (Basildon) · 9 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Simon Hewstone · Chelmsford Crown Court · Witham · Chelmsford

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