A man has been jailed after CCTV captured him smashing car windows in Nottingham.
Neighbourhood officers launched an investigation after a number of vehicles were damaged in and around the city centre, including The Park estate, between 28 July and 7 July.
The cars – including two BMWs, three Land Rovers, two Volkswagen Golfs and an Audi – were parked in Park Terrace, Woolpack Lane, Park Row, Postern Street and Mount Street.
Officers identified a suspect after carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries, which showed the same person smashing windows by throwing a small rock or stone.
He was arrested in Old Market Square on 7 July after one of the victims recognised him and called the police.
Dyar Madhat was taken into custody where he denied responsibility for the incidents. When shown CCTV of each offence, he responded “no comment” – but officers had enough evidence to charge him with eight counts of criminal damage.
The 29-year-old was further charged with a ninth count of the same offence after a cell mattress was damaged while he was in custody.
Madhat, of no fixed address, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 9 July and pleaded guilty to all nine counts.
The court heard he had previous convictions for criminal damage and so he was jailed for eight weeks.
Sergeant Cai Kemish, of the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“This mindless spree of vandalism caused a lot of distress and I am pleased Madhat has very swiftly been put behind bars.
“As well as causing thousands of pounds of damage, he caused the victims a great deal of inconvenience in having to submit insurance claims and getting their vehicles repaired.
“One of the victims had been out for dinner when she returned to find her rear window smashed. Her evening was completely ruined by Madhat’s abhorrent actions and I hope she, and the other victims, are able to draw some comfort in knowing he is now behind bars.
“Nottingham is a vibrant city and we will not tolerate anyone who comes into the city centre and behaves in such an appalling way.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the member of public who alerted us to Madhat’s whereabouts so we could bring him to justice.”
