Bank customer smashed machine after card 'swallowed'
A BANK customer was so frustrated when a cash machine swallowed his card that he dialled 999 and threw a brick at the screen.
Mark Britten was arrested for criminal damage to the Lloyds TSB machine in Browtowe Lane, Broxtowe Estate.
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Mark Britten was arrested for criminal damage
He had already tried two cash machines, in Nuthall Road and Bells Lane, when he got to the TSB and was denied cash again.
The 45-year-old, of Stockhill Lane, Basford, said: "I was incensed by it all. I wanted the police to shut the machine down so it would not happen to anyone else. And they said they were too busy... so I smashed it with a brick."
Britten, who is unable to work because of a stroke, set off the machine's alarm and then a security shutter came down.
"The police came with CS spray in their hands and extended batons and arrested me."
Britten was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to a 12-month community order. He must pay £200 towards the cost of the prosecution.
No order for compensation was made because the judge had insufficient information about the cost of a replacement machine.
Judge Michael Stokes QC told Britten: "These days, we can all get annoyed with bankers and banks. But it is not appropriate to put bricks through their machines. It not only inconveniences them but members of the public."
Police arrived within five minutes of Britten's call.
"He was clearly annoyed because other cash machines were empty," said Sarah Munro, prosecuting.
"I assume this was the final straw.
"He said in interview he would smash every bank machine in Browtowe."
Britten pleaded guilty to criminal damage at 3am on September 28.
The TSB machine was out of action for two months and the damage was estimated at £1,500 to £2,000.
After the judge was told it had to be replaced, Britten said: "So it was a faulty machine, your honour. The machine was no good." The judge replied: "It is now."
Martin Elwick, in mitigation, said Britten had a number of medical issues and was now on the right level of medication.
He has been in court before for criminal damage to the doors of a bingo hall.
rebecca.sherdley@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
14 Comments
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by leroy gray, reppin stansville
Thursday, May 28 2009, 11:13PM
“how was it the banks fault if he never got his benefit paid in? what a clown.”
by jim, waiting to vote Red ,White and Blue.
Thursday, May 28 2009, 8:21PM
“if anybody want castrating its you BARRY, SH!THEAD”
by Roly the 17th Earl of Pinxton, Pinxton
Thursday, May 28 2009, 7:47PM
“A blind Asian was man standing in front of the cash point in Pinxton asked me to kindly check his balance, So I pushed the tw#t over!”
by Andyman, Derbys
Thursday, May 28 2009, 6:24PM
“Macca:
JCB is a better machine, especially if it is piped for a breaker for tougher installations. You can swap your lorry trailer for a low loader so you can carry both HEE HEE.”
by H1, London
Thursday, May 28 2009, 12:58PM
“Andrew read the article correctly and you would find it says the £200 was to cover court costs, not damages.
I'm sure the bank can afford a new machine - with my unlawful charges alone!
Understand this guys fustration but don't try and get money out when you haven't got any! Also like the fact the police were soooooooooo busy they attended to a brick being thrown at a cash machine in 5 minutes....wow...how quick would they be at a robbery then....?”