A CHEF who trashed his girlfriend's flat was banned by a court from returning there, even though the woman is prepared for a reconciliation.

Harrogate magistrates heard yesterday how Paul Dilloway, 24, had ransacked the flat in Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, before locking its tenant, Sarah Kemp, out overnight.

Peter Scott, prosecuting, said Ms Kemp got in the next day and found smashed windows and £2,670 worth of damage.

Dilloway pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage.

Simon Crosfield, in mitigation, said Dilloway intended to take out a £1,500 loan to cover most of the damage and use his take-home pay of £285-a-week - earned as a chef at a Harrogate restaurant - to cover the rest.

He said Dilloway, who had been suffering from depression, had taken pills he had been prescribed and coupled them with drink.

Mr Crosfield said he had spoken to Ms Kemp - with whom Dilloway had had a six-month relationship - and she was prepared for him to return to her flat.

Mr Scott told the court it was unlikely the flat's owner or the letting agents, would want Dilloway back in the property, and court chairman Bernadette Reid agreed.

She asked for probation reports to be prepared on Dilloway and bailed him until March 30, ordering him to live, in the meantime, at his parents' home in Bachelor Road, Harrogate, and report to the police station each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.