A man who suspected his wife was cheating on him burned her clothes in the garden chiminea two days after she left him.
Benjamin Stevens torched his other half’s wardrobe just after midnight on June 16, 2019 in a fit of rage.
The 35-year-old made a post on social media on the same day with a picture of the fire and the caption: “Cheating wife!!! This is what you do lads, burn baby burn.”
One month later police raided Stevens home and discovered 12 bags of cannabis worth up to £760 as well as £1,140 cash and a set of digital scales.
Now Stevens has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 22 months.
Prosecutor Holly Kilbey told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: “In an exchange of messages he commented that he had only burned her wardrobe. She replied that was all her clothes.
“She returned to her house. Her drawers had been emptied. She estimated the total value of the clothes to be £500. She went to the chiminea and could see the charred remains of some of the items of clothing.”
The property in Burslem was raided on August 16, 2019, according to Stoke-on-Trent Live.
Miss Kilbey added: “The defendant was in attendance when the search was conducted.”
The court heard that the defendant made full admissions. He said he had recently split from his wife and was using the money to pay outstanding court and solicitor’s fees.
Stevens, of Marney Walk, Burslem, pleaded guilty to damaging property and possession with intent to supply a class B drug.
Anis Ali, mitigating, said the offences were committed when the defendant was ‘emotionally fragile’.
He invited Judge David Fletcher to step back from sending Stevens to jail.
Mr Ali said: “He has managed to reimburse the complainant to the tune of £1,000.
“He has learned from his mistakes and turned his life around. He has made positive progress. He is now in full-time work as a civil engineer.”
Judge Fletcher said the sentence could be suspended. He said the criminal damage offence was a revenge attack.
But he accepted that the defendant was remorseful, he has reimbursed the victim with more than the cost of the damage, and the situation between Stevens and his wife has ‘eased’.
The suspended sentence includes a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 220 hours unpaid work. He must pay £1,200 costs.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
