A woman caused £8,500 worth of damage when she trashed her boyfriend’s home while high on a cocktail of drink and drugs, a court heard.

Deborah Carswell became angry when her partner called her a ‘muppet’ for inviting a woman back to his home when he was working away.

The 42-year-old cleaner, who had only been in a relationship with the victim for three months, took revenge on the perceived slight by smashing up his property including a display cabinet which belonged to his grandmother.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Carswell was given the keys to his home for her job to enable her to clean but instead stayed there drinking and taking drugs while he was working away.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said: “There was a Facetime call between them where the defendant appeared to be drinking alcohol and cocaine – that’s his description – he could see her that on the screen.

“In the early hours of the morning, he noticed she was online and called her, when she answered she said she had invited a female back to the house for drinks.

“He was not happy about that situation and sent her a message calling her a ‘muppet’ and saying she had no right to invite anybody back to his property.”

The court heard how Carswell then proceeded to trash his house after sending him a message telling him they were splitting up.

He added: “He received a call from a neighbour telling him that his house had been trashed and she sent him a gloating message saying it was worth it because of what he had said about her.”

In her rampage, she damaged windows, walls, doors, carpets and flooring, shower cubicle, bath, TVs, a PlayStation, an X-box, a mahogany display cabinet, mirrors, a glass table, light fittings and personal items.

Carswell, of the Meadowings, Yarm, pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal damage between January 13 and 15, 2023.

Tom Bennett, mitigating, said his client had admitted the offence 18 months ago and her pre-sentence report highlights problems she has had with her mental health.

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Recorder David Kelly said: “The total damage you caused in a fit of revenge was £8,500, this included damage to a cabinet belonging to his late grandmother which contained items of sentimental value.

“In short, you totally trashed his house.”

Carswell was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a six-month mental health treatment programme and 15 rehabilitation activity requirements days attached.

She was also ordered to pay £500 in compensation.