A TENANT caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a flat, which was uncovered after a neighbour reported water coming through her ceiling.

Charlie Boyes, 31, had been living in the flat in Cockermouth and the victim lived in the flat below, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said a damp patch had appeared in the victim’s flat on July 6. The woman had then noticed water coming through the ceiling.

The water damage became worse and the electrics were going off, the court was told.

On July 14, police attended the victim’s flat and saw there had been “major water damage”. Officers then attended Boyes’ flat and saw there had been deliberate damage to both the sink and toilet.

Ms Fee said the carpets in the flat needed replaced and redecoration had taken place.

An electrician had to re-install the electrics. The bathroom ceiling also needed to be replaced.

The total cost of the damage to the property was £3,831.60.

A statement from the officers who attended described the defendant’s behaviour as “erratic”.

They said there was faeces on the floor and every piece of furniture was damaged. The bath was filled with junk and other items, the court heard.

A victim impact statement read to the court said the incident had caused the woman to suffer with anxiety.

The victim said: “A home should be where people are made to feel safe. This incident has made my mental health decline.”

Boyes, who was not legally represented, said: “I’m really sorry. I was really poorly with my mental health.”

A probation officer told the court that Boyes had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Boyes, of Main Street, Frizington, pleaded guilty to criminal damage under £5,000.

Passing sentence, lead magistrate, Mr Ryan, said: “It was very reckless. There was a high level of harm. You did a lot of expensive damage.”

Boyes was given a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

She was fined £40 and must pay £1,043.50 in compensation to the property owner.

MORE FROM COURT: Man attempted to steal diesel from business