A CHARD man who punched a wall and door at his girlfriend’s house causing hundreds of pounds of damage was warned by magistrates that he must keep control of his temper in future.

Jamie Michael Lee argued with his partner before losing control and left a large hole in the hallway and also punched out a glass panel in the front door.

When he appeared in court at Yeovil the magistrates said it was a “horrible” offence and they were glad to hear he had since helped to repair the damage.

Chair of the Bench Judy Watson said: “You have really got to keep control of your temper as your girlfriend must have found it very frightening.”

Lee, 20, of Mintons, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a door and wall belonging to Yarlington Housing at Chard on August 27.

Lindsey Baker, prosecuting, said that on the day in question the defendant was at his girlfriend’s house and an argument erupted between them.

“Lee became angry and punched the wall on the hallway landing putting a large hole in it and then punched the front door causing a large glass panel to come out,” she said.

“When he was interviewed by the police he told them he caused the damage because he was angry.”

There was a hole in the wall made by a visible punch mark and the total cost of the damage was £495.

Defending solicitor Neil Priest said that Lee, who was currently on benefits, argued with his partner and reacted in anger by hitting the door and wall but had since made amends by repairing much of it.

“He is very remorseful and is disappointed that he is back in court again,” he said.

“What more can he do other than to apologise and ensure that all the damage is repaired?”

The magistrates ordered Lee to pay £150 compensation to Yarlington Housing but did not impose any costs or victim surcharge.