A DEFENCE solicitor cast doubt over the decision to bring a man currently being held in a mental health facility before a court for flooding a hotel room.

The 18-year-old defendant from Whitehaven, who the News & Star has chosen not to name, caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after falling asleep while running a bath at the Travelodge in Workington.

He pleaded guilty ‘on a reckless basis’ to a charge of criminal damage under £5,000 and also admitted theft from a shop when he appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court via video link from a mental health clinic.

Outlining the offences, prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant had been staying at the Travelodge on March 17 this year. He had run the bath and then fallen asleep while it was running.

The water had leaked through to the room below, leaving both rooms unusable. The cost of the damage was estimated to be £3,000.

During police interview, the defendant said he had been ‘rough’ and went out shopping before returning to the hotel room.

He started running a bath but while waiting for it, he fell asleep on the bed. He then ‘panicked’ and let staff know.

The defendant became ‘upset’ when he was told he couldn’t go back to the hotel room after being released from custody.

The court heard that the defendant also stole food and hygiene products worth £8 from Asda in Carlisle on February 14.

Ms Fee said an out of court disposal had been considered but due to the defendant’s previous offending, it was decided the service was not suitable.

John Cooper, defending, said the defendant had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act and would be in a clinic ‘for the foreseeable’.

He told the court: “I have dealt with him for a number of years. I’m glad he’s getting some help.

“The items have been recovered. The criminal damage – I appreciate it’s a significant amount. There’s no real evidence to back up how much damage there is.”

Mr Cooper said that people under section ‘shouldn’t always go through the criminal justice system’.

He added that if the defendant were to be given an order for compensation, it would take 12 years to repay the amount.

Magistrates imposed a six-month conditional discharge and ordered the defendant to pay a £52 victim surcharge.

No order was made for costs or compensation due to the defendant’s means.