A MAN has escaped punishment after kicking in a door following months of harassment by his ex.

Darryl Smith, 27, admitted damaging the door belonging to Stacey Spencer.

But magistrates yesterday gave him a conditional discharge after hearing how it was the final straw after an argument with Miss Spencer.

The Huddersfield bench was told that Smith, of Highlands Avenue in Almondbury, had arranged to look after their two-year-old daughter on April 22.

He went to his ex’s home in Lindley and the three went out to a shop.

But after an argument, Miss Spencer stormed back to her home.

She locked the door but this was then forced open by Smith, causing £200 worth of damage.

This was witnessed by the pair’s daughter. Miss Spencer called police.

Mike Sisson-Pell, defending, said that the couple separated two years ago. His client had a new partner but they had suffered continued ‘harassment’ from Miss Spencer.

This included tearing up his shirts and abuse towards his mother.

He added: “This has gone on and on. She’s done her best to make their life a misery and anyone linked with the family.”

Mr Sisson-Pell said that his client’s ex had used their child as a ‘weapon’ as: “That’s the only hold she has over him.”

Magistrates told Smith that they felt the damage to the door had been unpleasant, regardless of any provocation.

But they agreed to give him a conditional discharge for 12 months.

They also ordered Smith to pay £85 court costs.