Man, 39, pleads guilty to criminal damage charges at mother’s home

A Parmelia man has pleaded guilty to criminal damage charges after a violent outburst at his elderly mother’s home resulted in a smashed television and broken door.

Robert Gordon William Grimes, 39, appeared before Rockingham Magistrates Court last Wednesday charged with one count of criminal damage and one count of breaching bail.

Prosecutor Sergeant Naomi Foster told the court that on July 28 at about 10.45am, Grimes, who lives with his 69-year-old mother, emerged from his bedroom and began yelling at her for money so that he could buy cigarettes and cannabis.

The victim told Grimes that she did not have any money, causing him to become angry and yell again.

The court was told Grimes said: “I just want to smoke some weed ... you told me you had money, so I could get smokes and weed.

The victim continued to tell Grimes that she did not have money and as a result he kicked and punched the passageway door, making a large hole. He then went back to his room, grabbed a candle and smashed it on the floor.

The victim then swept up the broken candle and placed the broom down when Grimes threatened to “smash” the TV.

He then picked up the broom and threw it at the TV, crack the screen.

The victim left the address and called police.

Grimes was taken into custody where he made full admissions to the incident, explaining the incident as “just stupid, I was frustrated”.

On August 3, Grimes was released on protective bail conditions with one of the conditions being that he was not to reside at the Parmelia address or contact the victim.

On August 11, police and violence restraining order staff attended the victim’s home for a welfare check.

Upon arrival, the victim told staff that she had allowed Grimes to come back home and he was found inside.

His explanation was “my mother asked me to come back”.

Grimes’ duty lawyer Stacey Byrne said the 39-year-old “is extremely remorseful for the damages he has caused his mother and the stress”.

“He has acknowledged that on this occasion, he has essentially lost his cool,” Ms Byrne said

“He has since been able to fund the replacement of the television and the door.”

Ms Byrne said that Grimes has acknowledged he has some underlying mental health needs and has plans to address these.

Grimes was ordered to complete an eight-month community based order with supervision requirements and fined $250 with court costs of $137.