Driver smashes car park barrier with his bare hands after losing ticket - and facing £12 charge - while out in Sunderland

Irate Nathan Drewery, 31, was told by staff at Sunderland city centre’s St Mary’s car park he must pay £12 for a full day replacement.

But Drewery, of St David’s Way, Fellgate, Jarrow, instead walked up to the barrier and snapped it three days before Christmas.

He then backed off but approached again and completely ripped it from its housing, causing £1,274 of damage, magistrates in South Tyneside heard.

Prosecutor Clare Irving said the incident happened in front of his young son and after he had refused to pay the all-day price.

She said: “This gentleman parked his car at this car park.

“An enforcement officer was later called to the exit because of a report that the defendant was refusing to pay the £12 exit fee.

“It’s about 4.55pm, and he was saying things like ‘It’s Christmas’ and ‘Check the camera’, and he was refusing to pay.

“Staff then asked him to sign some paperwork. He then walked up to the barrier and snapped it, using both hands.

“He then used both hands to snap it off at the housing. He then drove off.”

Ms Irving added: “The defendant was quickly traced, which wasn’t difficult.

“He said that he had been shopping and had lost his ticket and went to the office and was asked to pay £12 for the full day.

“He says that staff wound him up and that he didn’t mean to cause the damage. He was very apologetic.”

Greg Flaxen, defending grounds worker Drewery, said: “It’s some years since he’s appeared before this court.

“It was Christmas, he had his young son with him, and he had paid for parking.

“He lost his ticket and was told that he had to pay for all day.

“He said, ‘I’m not going to pay for it’ and damaged the barrier.”

Drewery pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and was handed him a 12-month conditional discharge.

He must also pay £1,274 compensation to Sunderland City Council, with £85 court costs.

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