Sunderland man admits harrassing neighbour and smashing kitchen window

Martin Coggins’ actions over seven months were witnessed by his victim via her doorbell security camera.

But she refrained from calling police until Coggins, 40, now of city centre Summerhill, caused £565 of damage by tossing an object at her home.

Magistrates in South Tyneside heard her Ring camera captured him walking past on Thursday, November 10, then throwing something at her window.

He has now been ordered to pay her full compensation and to stay away from her under the terms of an 18-month restraining order.

Prosecutor April Hall said Coggins, who pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and harassment without violence, committed his first offence on Sunday, April 24.

She added: “The victim and the defendant are neighbours, and have been for several years.

“She moved in in 2018 and there were no issues until this year. She decided to install a Ring doorbell camera.

“On May 11 the victim was in bed at 10.20pm when she was informed by the Ring doorbell that someone was staring at her property.

“On September 9, at 8.15pm, he was seen making a hand gesture towards her property.

“And on November 10 she saw a shadow in front of the camera, and someone was recorded walking past.

“He had something in his hand, which he appeared to throw. She heard her kitchen window smash, and contacted the police.”

The court heard Coggins, who has 16 previous convictions from 22 offences, committed the crimes while staying with his parents.

Gerry Armstrong, defending, said: “I know sometimes in alcohol he struggles with his mental health.

“There were no issues with the neighbour for four years, something has happened in April. Between April and November there were silly gestures.

“If he hadn’t taken the ridiculous step of throwing something through the window, nothing may have been reported to the police.

“He accepts that in alcohol, issues arise. He’s reduced his alcohol considerably. He has no issue with this neighbour.”

District Judge Zoe Passfield sentenced Coggins to an 18-month community order, with 35 rehabilitation days and a nine-month alcohol treatment programme.