A CELEBRATION to mark the successful outcome of a court case landed the defendant back in the dock.

Darren John Cummins held a party at his bail address after escaping an immediate prison sentence, at Durham Crown Court, in July.

He was given a six-month sentence, suspended for 15 months, and a supervision order, after admitting affray, common assault and a racially aggravated public order offence.

But, the court heard that in celebrating his “reprieve” from being sent behind bars, his two-bedroom flat in Gilesgate, Durham, was left badly damaged.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said that the party was staged on July 29, the day before the tenancy agreement came to an end.

Following his departure, the flat, in Bradford Crescent, was examined by the property company, the next day, and damage was found to doors, a toaster, the tv screen and a leather sofa, which had a hole cut in the arm.

The fire extinguisher had also been let off round the property, and the bill for the resulting damage amounted to £1,000.

Mr Dryden told the court: “He was arrested and told police he was heavily intoxicated, on drink and ‘street drugs’.

“His recollection was somewhat blurred, but he accepted responsibility.”

Thirty-year-old Cummins, now of Jasmine Crescent, Trimdon Station, County Durham, admitted criminal damage and breaching a suspended prison sentence.

Rod Hunt, mitigating, said, despite the “unimpressive start” to the supervision order, imposed as part of the sentence in July, there have been no further problems and Cummins has fulfilled all further requirements and appointments with the Probation Service.

Judge Robert Adams added an extra three months to the suspended element of the July sentence, extending it to 18 months, and ordered Cummins to attend 22 sessions at a probation-run “thinking skills” programme.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to the property company.