A PARANOID man has told a court he is "not right upstairs" after smashing up his ex partner's house.

Daniel Coyle admitted one count of criminal damage when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford in October.

The court heard from prosecutor Eleanor Peart that Coyle had asked his ex partner if he could stay at her home in August.

But she left him alone in her home and went to a family member's house after he became abusive towards her and kicked a bannister, breaking it on August 21.

Later that day Coyle arrived outside the family member's house, shouting "look what I have done to your house", the court heard.

The victim found he had smashed a panel in her front door, while broken wax burners and Stella cans had been strewn around the porch.

Clothes and food were thrown around the house, a television was smashed, and a large tub of white paint had been poured over the kitchen and trodden through the house.

In interview, Coyle told police he had done it, saying he believed his ex was having an affair.

Miss Peart said the victim had later retracted her statement saying she wanted him to get help and support with his mental health.

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Speaking on his own behalf, 34-year-old Coyle said he was not in a good position mentally after losing family members.

"I am not right upstairs," he said.

"I know now that it is all in my head and she was not having an affair. I have not done anything like this in years and I am getting diagnosed and have my first counselling session coming up.

"I am sorry for it and I want to own up to my mistakes. I did not have a very good upbringing and I think I just had a trigger and got paranoid."

Coyle, who is of no fixed address, was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to pay compensation of £500 and a £114 victim surcharge.

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