Domestic row over dinner results in court appearance

Gillian Stewart, 56, of Victoria House in Alnwick, pleaded guilty to criminal damage when she appeared at Berwick Court.

Magistrates heard the offence happened on April 11 at the marital home on Watersheugh Road in Warkworth.

The court was told the defendant and her now-estranged husband, Kevin Stewart, had been making dinner. Mr Stewart put chutney in the gravy using a metal spoon which led to a row about it damaging a new pan. A pan of cabbage fell to the floor. The defendant left the house and ran her keys along several parts of the family car.

In defence, it was claimed the defendant had been assaulted. Photographs showing her bruised face were shown to the court. Mr Stewart has not been charged with any offence.

“She went to the police station to claim she was assaulted and was told it was ‘first come, first served’ which is outrageous,” said Ian O’Rourke.

Magistrates imposed a six-month conditional discharge and £105 in costs.