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Jilted decorator flooded B&B after owner spurned his advances

Kathy King with some of the damage - Caters News Agency
Kathy King with some of the damage - Caters News Agency

Adecorator has narrowly avoided an immediate jail term despite flooding a woman's B&B after she rejected his amorous advances.

Kevin Hartley broke into the hotel, left shower heads on the floor and covered up plug holes during what he called a "spur of the moment act" while "extremely drunk".

Glenfield house damage  - Credit: Mike McKenzie
Glenfield house damage Credit: Mike McKenzie

The 35-year-old apologised at Carlisle Crown Court and was given a 20-month suspended prison sentence.

"You behaved in a most disgraceful manner," said Judge Nicholas Clarke QC.

The court heard the painter was carrying out work at Glenfield House in Carlisle in Cumbria for owner Katherine King.

Glenfield house  - Credit: Caters News
Glenfield house Credit: Caters News

But prosecutor Beccy McGregor said his duties were reduced after he began acting "inappropriately" and started declaring his feelings for her.

On one occasion, Hartley let himself out of her property, with the living room having been left "full of Christmas presents".

Glenfield house damage  - Credit: Mike McKenzie
Glenfield house damage Credit: Mike McKenzie

Hartley told Miss King in February that "he had his heart broken by her" and later that month, while she was visiting family, she was alerted by neighbours to an alarm sounding and water "gushing" out.

Keys were removed from bedroom doors apparently to prevent police gaining access. Three ceilings collapsed and the court heard Miss King lost thousands of pounds in lost earnings.

Hartley, of Whitehaven, Cumbria, pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary with intent to do unlawful damage. He was also given a rehabilitation requirement, a four-month night-time curfew and unpaid work.

A restraining order prevents him from legally contacting Miss King in any way for five years.

Marion Weir, defending, said Hartley was "terrified at the thought of custody" and that alcohol was the "under-pinning issue in all his difficulties".