A “STUPID and childish” man caused extensive damaged to his ex-boyfriend’s flat after stealing a coach and driving head first into the building.
Ian Anderson, 33, caused £46,000 of damage to the property and the 18-tonne coach in an attempt to “embarrass” his ex-lover, a court heard.
Anderson had been in a relationship with the man for seven years when they split up in December, 2024, just a month before the incident.
After hearing how his ex sent holiday brochures to a friend, Anderson grew angry and decided to publicly try and humiliate him.
On January 21, 2025 Anderson, from South-Tyneside, stole the coach from Liberty Coaches where he worked as a yardman.
He then ripped out the dash cam from the vehicle and fled in the direction of his former lover’s home.
Anderson’s ex-partner heard a vehicle outside his flat beeping its horn before he saw the coach waiting outside.
Anderson then drove the coach “at speed” into the building, a court was told.
The flat was left with extensive damage, with the bedroom wall being smashed up.
Anderson also got out of the coach and tried to hit his ex with broken glass from the shattered window.
He fled the scene on foot after the moment of madness.
It was estimated that he has caused a total of £23,834 of damage to the property.
On top of this the bus suffered a £5,852 loss, and the loss of labour was £22,000.
This means Anderson caused a total of £46,000 of damage in the incident.
Recorder Toby Hedworth KC told him: “This was a ludicrously irresponsible, stupid and childish thing to do.”
Anderson pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage and dangerous driving.
He was given a 12 month prison order for the ordeal.
The judge gave way to Anderson’s previous good character and allowed the sentence to be suspended for two years.
He was also told he must pay £2,000 in compensation.
The payments must be made on £20 monthly payments, in equal parts to both the coach and housing company.
He must also comply with a six month mental health treatment, and was handed a restraining order banning any contact with his ex or entering most of Ashington for two years.
The Boldon local was told he is to be banned from driving for two years.
