A MAN who scratched a car belonging to his former partner’s father claimed the victim had done it himself to ‘frame him’.

Anthony Gallacher, 35, caused damage to the Seat Terraco while it was parked on the victim’s driveway in Workington on the morning of July 6.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates’ Court, said Gallacher had denied the offence during police interview.

He told officers there had been a number of incidents after he and the victim’s daughter had separated.

Gallacher said the victim was visually impaired and wouldn’t have noticed if he had scratched the car himself. He also said he believed the victim had done it to ‘frame him’.

The defendant, of Cross Hill, Workington, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property under £5,000.

Gallacher, who was not legally represented, said: “It won’t stop. I have recorded stuff on my phone.

“I’m just sick of it. I’ve been fighting on for the last 18 months.”

Gallacher was fined £142 and ordered to pay £192 in compensation to the victim. He must also pay £85 costs and a £57 victim surcharge.