A MAN has admitted a damage charge which occurred when a relationship of 39 years ended.

Complainant Brian Vernon called the police when his ex-husband Ian Vernon, 55, used a spade to try and open the front and back doors at his home in Woodside Close, Ewloe, on April 7.

The defendant, of Ruthin Road, Gwernymynydd near Mold, had been remanded in custody to appear at Flintshire Magistrates’ Court at Mold.

He admitted damage and said that he had wanted to recover property but was not allowed in.

Ian Vernon was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation of £200 with £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.

A two year restraining order was made under which he is not to approach Mr Brian Vernon or go to his home address.

The court heard that they had separated – allegedly because of the defendant’s alcoholism – and had since divorced.

Fiona Larkin, defending, said she did not understand why her client had been remanded in custody on the basis that he was homeless and alcoholic.

He had an address at his mother’s home and being an alcoholic was no basis for being remanded in custody, she said.

She questioned where a restraining order was necessary and proportionate.

But prosecutor Justin Espie said that the complainant wanted a restraining order following text messages, phone calls, and the fact that the defendant would attend at his home address, when they had been divorced in January.