By Denna Bowman
Magistrates handed out a criminal Asbo to a prolific tyres-slasher who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to cars in Wolverhampton.
Carlos Cranston, 27, targeted eight cars and slashed 28 tyres and also spray-painted some vehicles during his random attacks.
His crime spree last summer left residents to pick up the repair and replacement bills and file insurance claims.
Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting, said: “They may have been insured, but this is small comfort to those who have suffered this distress.”
District Judge Michael Wheeler, sitting at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court, ruled no compensation will be paid to Cranston’s victims as he is “destitute” and has been unable to claim benefits while remanded in custody for the last six weeks.
Cranston, who was also found with cannabis on two occasions and twice failed to turn up for court hearings, was given a 14-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also handed a five-year criminal Asbo banning him from carrying chalk, spray paint, marker pens or any other material capable of causing criminal damage.
Cranston had admitted 12 charges of criminal damage, two of possessing cannabis, two of failing to answer bail and one of shoplifting.