A 21-year-old man who vandalised his ex-girlfriend’s flat has been fined £800.

Dillon Frazer Cowie, of Marathon Drive, Douglas, pleaded guilty to a property damage charge and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that Cowie had arrived at his ex’s home, also in Marathon Drive, at 5.30pm on July 9.

He said he believed he had permission to enter the property so he went inside and spoke to a man who was in a communal area of the building.

Cowie then went to his ex-girlfriend’s room and threw a tub of paint around as well as throwing a candle which damaged a cabinet.

Cowie left but then phoned the woman’s sister and told her: ’Tell your sister I’ve left a surprise in the bedroom.’

He was later arrested and during a police interview said that he had found items damaged at his own flat and believed that his former partner was responsible.

He admitted throwing paint around but said he could not remember causing any other damage.

A probation report said that, on the night of the incident, Cowie had just got out of hospital.

He said he went home and found his damaged belongings, which had prompted an act of revenge.

Cowie said that he was no longer in contact with the woman.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough said: ’Clearly this was an immature reaction. It was not a very healthy relationship. In future Mr Cowie will have to deal with difficulties in relationships in a more adult manner.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Cowie: ’It was inexcusable to go and cause the damage that you did.’

He will pay the fine and costs at a rate of £50 per week.