Upset after being denied shelter, a homeless man damaged the Dawn Centre’s front door in Leicester.
Tracy Lovejoy spoke in court about it. She said Coveney was upset and returned after twenty minutes. Coveney threatened a staff member, then left again briefly.
He came back around 11:45 pm and sat down, refusing to leave. They asked him to go, but he would not budge from the chair.
The security guard told him to leave thrice, threatening to involve the police. Coveney replied he did not care and vowed to smash the place if denied entry.
The security guard forced Coveney outside and locked the doors to secure the building. Coveney kicked the doors five times forcefully, breaking the outer doors open. Police were called following this incident.
Coveney ran away before police arrived. He had eight past offenses in ten years, but none involved criminal damage before.
Faye Darlison spoke for Coveney about his life. He quit school and left his family’s place early at age fourteen. His home held much domestic violence toward him and others.
She added that he tried his best but could not hold a job. Coveney also had depression, anxiety, and “complex PTSD” from childhood trauma. He feels worthless, ashamed, and like a failure.
She said this explains his reaction, and Coveney admitted he caused criminal damage. She added that his memory of events is poor.
The court gave Coveney a conditional discharge for twelve months. He must pay £25 towards the £500 door repair. Beverley Cemmell spoke about the sad situation.