A dad has been fined £300 after he ‘bent’ his ex-partners debit card in a row.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Pawel Metel, 42, of Bellfield Street, Accrington had got into a row with his ex partner, who he still lived with, after she smashed his laptop.

The court heard that Metel, who works at Holland’s Pies in Baxenden, ‘bent’ his ex’s national identity card and debit card in retaliation.

The court was told that Metel was a ‘man of good character’ who had only one previous offence, when he was cautioned in 2007 for having a ‘slipper fight’ with the same ex partner.

Metel, who arrived in the UK in 2006, was found guilty of criminal damage to property and was fined £300 on September 25. He was found not guilty of assault by beating

Mr Slater, of the probation service, said: “They were arguing and the victim smashed his laptop and he then seized her cards and damaged them.

“His last offence was a caution in 2007 he and the same victim were hitting each other with slippers, his partner said she was struck with a slipper.

“He does have serious difficulties resolving conflicts which illustrates some underlying anger issues.”

He added: “He said it was stupid and did not seek to justify his actions.”

Clare Thomas, defending, said: “A bank card and a national identity card had no sentimental value and would have caused only a mild inconvenience to replace.

“The only loss financially is to the bank. The cards were bent not broken.

“It was in response to the laptop being smashed, still it is an unacceptable way to react.

“He is a man of good character aside from his caution in 2007.”

In passing sentence, Judge Knowles said: “You lived with your partner in circumstances which would be difficult for any two people to live in, remaining in the same house as there was nowhere for you to go but there.

“But for reasons I cannot understand you insisted on pleading not guilty to the offence, which you admitted in your own evidence.

“I am entitled to form my own view on what led up to the offence, but I have to avoid doing any injustice to you on the offence you were acquitted. You acted out of malice and desire to punish your former partner.”

Metel was ordered to £300 in £60 monthly instalments.