A Southampton man committed a ‘bout of reckless behaviour’ when he smashed up two cars in a fit of rage outside his ex-partner’s Isle of Wight home.

Billy Cokes, of Church Lane, Highfield, Southampton, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage and attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Friday, August 11.

Munayah Hussan, prosecuting, said at 10pm on February 28, one of the victims was at her home address in Yarmouth with her children and her sister - also a victim of the offence. 

The family heard a loud bang on the front door, with Cokes standing outside shouting he would damage their cars.

Ms Hussan told the court the 31-year-old picked up a welcome sign from the garden and used it to smash up the sisters’ cars, causing considerable damage.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, described the incident as 'a clear loss of temper'.

Mr McGoldrick said his client had recently broken up with one of the sisters and had been struggling to cope, turning to alcohol.

Cokes had claimed his passport had been cut up by one of them and he lost his temper.

Magistrates described the incident as 'a bout of reckless behaviour' and handed Cokes an 18-month community order.

He must also pay compensation of £300 and £275 to his victims and a £114 surcharge.