Chesterfield reveller smashed pub wall after being wound up by a gang

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, January 13, how Dale Digby, 20, of Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, had been drinking at Hasland’s Devonshire Arms when he went to the toilets after being wound up by others and damaged wall tiles with his fist.

Prosecuting solicitor Rod Chapman said: “The defendant was wearing gloves and the landlady challenged him and he had an injury to his hand and he admitted damaging the wall tiles.

“The tiles are mounted on the wall and have a gap behind them so the blow caused them to break through.”

Digby told police he had caused the damage after other drinkers had been trying to pick a fight and it had wound him up but instead of engaging with them he went to the toilet where he caused the damage.

The defendant, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to causing damage after the incident on December 13, last year.

Defence solicitor Steve Brint said: “Mr Digby had previous convictions and they have included damage and he has a short fuse when he is in trouble.

“He had been out with his girlfriend and he didn’t want trouble but four or five people surrounded him on the dance floor and they were taking the Mickey.

“In the past he would have punched them but he went to the toilet and they called him names so he punched the wall instead and didn’t expect it to break.”

The probation service also explained that Digby has been working on his anger management while under their supervision and he has been volunteering to renovate property for Action Housing.

Magistrates sentenced Digby to 40 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay £50 compensation, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.