A SPURNED ex-husband trashed his former in-laws’ house during a burglary, a court was told yesterday.

Ricky Ratchpaul, 43, of Greenwood Street, Primrose Hill, broke into the house of his ex-wife’s parents and threw white emulsion paint around the rooms and over furniture.

His actions caused more than £3,000 damage, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Ratchpaul had divorced his wife in September 2009, but continued to have a sexual relationship with her despite her beginning a new relationship, the court was told.

The court heard Ratchpaul had broken into the house on Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, after a drinking session, believing his wife was there.

Ratchpaul stole food and alcoholic drinks from the fridge and was alleged to have stolen a cordless drill and keys to the family’s shed during the raid.

His DNA was found on half-eaten food found in the house.

Sentencing Judge James Goss QC described Ratchpaul’s actions as ‘mean’ but accepted the attack had been a ‘one-off’.

Defending Carl Kingsley said: “An unfortunate childhood has left him with anger management issues.

“He is not a habitual burglar.”

Judge Goss said: “Under the influence of drink and in a state of anger you decided to go to the home of your former wife’s mother and intentionally damage it and help yourself to what you wanted.

“It was a mean offence whatever you felt the justification was. It was a bad burglary.”

Ratchpaul, who admitted causing criminal damage and burglary, was handed 36-week and 20-week jail sentences, to be served concurrently, suspended for 12 months.

He was given a six-month curfew order.