A MAN who smashed a Job Centre window after getting frustrated when no one was available to help his seriously ill girlfriend with her benefits claim has been fined.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, heard that Theo Mclean kicked the window at the Darlington centre on Monday, April 7.

Mclean’s solicitor Nick Woodhouse said the 37-year-old of Epsom Court, Darlington, had gone to the centre with his partner who was wanting to speak to somebody about her claim.

Mr Woodhouse said the pair became frustrated after being told no one was available that day and they must return another day and when a security guard confronted Mclean’s partner, he lashed out at the window.

Magistrates asked for a probation report before they sentenced him.

The probation officer said Mclean’s partner had serious issues with her health and may well need a heart transplant.

The officer said that Mclean is a 24-hour carer for his partner and any sort of unpaid work would effectively punish her rather than him.

Magistrates ordered Mclean, who admitted criminal damage, to pay a £50 fine, £50 compensation and a £20 victim surcharge.