Southend man broke gas pipe with hammer throw

Dean Maynard, 28, of York Road, Southend left the home of multiple occupancy after the incident in August as police and firefighters rushed to deal with the gas leak.

Basildon Crown Court heard yesterday how he later returned to admit his actions.

He avoided jail but received a strong warning from Judge Andrew Hurst.

Speaking to Maynard he said: "On August 14 you were a resident in York Road, Southend and you smashed a window from the inside with a hammer with glass going outside the home and in the road.

"Police attended and you were not there and had cut a gas pipe at the flat. Gas was smelt and the fire brigade attended too.

"You went back as you were concerned about your dog. It was an extraordinarily dangerous thing to do.

"There was gas leaking, so much the police had to leave and there were other residents in there too.

"You put yourself and the emergency services at risk."

Judge Hurst said Maynard admitted the incident and has previous convictions but nothing of this "significance."

He told the court Maynard suffers with an emotional unstable mental disorder and had been using drink and drugs in the past too.

He said the conditions have been well managed and Maynard has suffered suicidal thoughts in the past too.

A previous hearing in October was postponed while discussions were undertaken about mental health treatment for the defendant.

Judge Hurst added: "I recognise you've had significant trauma in your life and you may suffer with post traumatic stress disorder.

"You've been in custody and your conditions are better now and psychological therapy is needed with talking therapy rather than just medication.

"I accept your actions were as a result of the deterioration in your mental health. The conditions must be addressed.

"It's not in your interest or the public's to send you to prison."

He handed Maynard a two year community order, with 50 days of rehabilitation requirement days and two years mental health treatment requirement.