Chaigley man who painted ‘slag’ on wife’s car receives suspended prison term

Peter Hayhurst (32) of Hodder Bridge Court, in Chipping Road, stormed out of the family home after slapping his wife during a row then daubed the word “slag” in paint on her car and let down all the tyres. He then smashed all the windows of the car causing a total of £1,000 worth of damage.

Blackburn Magistrates’ Court was told that Sarah Cappello responded by taking a broom and attacking his van, smashing the windscreen. He got out of the van and punched her in the face before driving off.

Hayhurst had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to assaulting Sarah Cappello, damaging her car, driving with excess alcohol, without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence.

Back at the court for sentencing, he was given six months in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to community supervision for 12 months, ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work, banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Ms Philippa White (prosecuting) said much of the protracted incident was witnessed by the couple’s 14 year old daughter.

Mrs Liz Parker (defending) said the couple had argued after he had been drinking at a family birthday party.

“Rather than continue the argument he left the house and went to sleep in his van,” said Mrs Parker.

“They continued the argument by text message and when he got home he got his things to leave. There was considerable emotion in the house and he accepts that as he left he damaged the car windows.”