Furloughed Sunderland worker breached bail by tampering with his electronic tag

Leighton Aslett, 32, of Spring Gardens Close, Hendon, Sunderland, tampered with it, according to evidence presented to prosecutors by EMS, the firm which monitors defendants’ movements.

He was also not at home when a team from the company called to check on his whereabouts.

Staff knocked on his door and then called his mobile when then they received no answer, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

Aslett, who defended himself in court and denied the breach allegation, said he had accidentally damaged the tag on furniture at his home.

And he insisted he had been at present during the 13 minutes the monitoring team claimed to be outside his property trying to contact him.

But District Judge Kathryn Meek said the evidence pointed to a breach of bail and found the allegation proven.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson said: “There’s evidence from EMS. It shows that there is evidence of a strap tamper.

“An officer went to the address at 9.23pm. There was a knock on the door. There was no answer. The number was called and there was no answer.

“The premises appeared to be in darkness. Without Mr Aslett coming to the door, it was concluded there had been a breach.”

Nissan worker Aslett claimed the strap had accidentally come off on one side and insisted he had asked EMS to check his claim out on Friday.

He also said the firm had an incorrect contact number for him.

Aslett is due to stand trial at the same court on June 26 after denying three separate charges at a hearing on May 4.

They are assaulting his partner at her home, causing criminal damage and damaging a car wing mirror, all on Saturday, May 2.

At the same hearing, he pleaded guilty to damaging a porch window at her home.

Aslett was rebailed on condition he does not contact the her and resides at Spring Garden Close.

He must also not enter an area of Sunderland bordered by the A690, North Moor Lane and Silksworth Lane.

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