A MAN who was upset to see his former girlfriend with other men smashed windows and doors causing more than £2,000 worth of damage.

Nathan Bagley, 28, of Foley Street, Hereford pleaded guilty this week to three counts of criminal damage and one of assault at Hereford Magistrates Court.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said on November 9 Bagley went to the Hereford home of his former partner, Natalie Harty.

She said there was a domestic violence background to the couple who had had an on/off relationship for 12 months.

Bagley saw Miss Harty with two of her friends, James Steele and Matthew Bauress, as they returned to their accommodation.

When Mr Bauress was opening his door he could hear the defendant shouting at Miss Harty.

He was then punched in the face by Bagley, who proceeded to punch him in the mouth and jaw two or three more times.

Bagley then grabbed Mr Steele's mobile and threw it on the floor, damaging it.

He then damaged seven windows and three doors, worth £1,800 owned by Advanced Housing and Support.

Mrs Ashton said Bagley was angry as Miss Harty was with her ex-boyfriend, Mr Steele, and he thought Mr Bauress was trying to get with Miss Harty.

He described himself as losing it before going home, and then the following morning he went back to the address and used a metal pole to smash Mr Bauress' windows, causing a further £700 worth of damage.

He then contacted his solicitor and said he had done something "very stupid."

Defending, Philip Cornell, said Bagley had been contacted by Miss Harty three or four times since he had been on bail asking for money and cigarettes.

He said Bagley is keeping away from her, despite her advances, with the help of good friends.

The court heard Bagley had breached a suspended sentence.

Sentencing has been adjourned for a probation report until Friday, December 5.