Innocent victim targeted in water bomb revenge attack (From Milford Mercury)

Innocent victim targeted in water bomb revenge attack

11:10am Thursday 16th July 2009

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A Milford man was so angry after being struck by a water bomb outside a nightclub that he responded by damaging a nearby house, a court has been told.

Unfortunately for Andrew Whittle, it wasn’t until afterwards that he realised he’d targeted the wrong property.

On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal damage at Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan explained how Leanne Wainwright was in work on Saturday, September 13, when her flat mate informed her that three men had been hurling stones at the door of her house near the Matisse club in Haverfordwest.

“Ms Wainwright contacted her parents immediately but by the time she returned to the flat, entry had been gained and substantial damage caused,” said Ms Morgan.

The flat was flooded with water, as the washing machine had been pulled over, furniture had been broken and the television had been thrown from its stand, she added.

Defence lawyer Gareth Phillips said that Whittle, of 15 Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, was standing in the queue for Matisse night club in Haverfordwest, when he was struck from behind by a water bomb.

“He was in considerable shock,” said Mr Phillips. “He spoke to one of the bouncers who pointed at a property where he said water bombs were often thrown from.”

Mr Phillips said Whittle, 30, and his two friends then decided to find out who was behind the incident.

“My client admits to pulling the washing machine out but he hadn’t planned to cause that much water related damage,” he said.

He claimed Whittle wasn’t involved in any of the other vandalism and was shocked when he realised the full extent of damage caused.

“He realises now that the water bomb did not come from the flat and feels very bad about the incident,” he added.

Whittle was fined £700 and ordered to pay a further £75 in costs. He was also ordered to pay Ms Wainwright £200 in compensation.

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