Hotel Room Left in 'Trashed' State After Guest's Rampage
A guest at a prominent city centre hotel has been ordered to pay compensation after he completely trashed his room, leaving blood smeared on the walls and significant damage. Alexander Sweeney, 32, shocked staff at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle when they discovered the aftermath of his stay, which included a ripped-out air conditioning unit and shattered glass across the carpet.
The Scene of the Damage
According to a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, the hotel manager entered the room on September 21 to find a scene of devastation. Prosecutor Clare Haswell detailed the extent of the wreckage, stating there was blood on the floors and walls. A framed picture had been smashed, scattering glass throughout the room.
Furthermore, an air conditioning control unit had been ripped from the wall, a light was damaged with its bulb pulled out, and the curtains had been torn from their railings. A smashed drinks glass was also found amongst the debris. The hotel maintained that Sweeney was responsible for an estimated £3,000-worth of damage.
No Memory and a Guilty Plea
The court heard that staff had been alerted to a disturbance involving Sweeney and his partner in the early hours of the morning. When staff intervened, they reported that the defendant was "covered in blood".
Despite the evidence, Sweeney claimed to have no memory of the evening's events. He was subsequently arrested and later pleaded guilty to criminal damage. In his defence, Peter Doherty suggested the cost of the damage was less than the hotel claimed and highlighted his client's early guilty plea and remorse.
Court's Final Ruling
District Judge Paul Currer presided over the case this week. While acknowledging the significant damage, stating "all aspects of the room were damaged, by blood or breakages", he also expressed scepticism about the £3,000 valuation, calling it "a bit unbelievable".
Ultimately, Alexander Sweeney was ordered to pay £400 in compensation and received a £150 fine. The sentence marks the conclusion of a case that left a Newcastle hotel room severely damaged and a guest with little explanation for his actions.
