FRUSTRATED that his partner was playing on her Playstation and not helping out with the post-Christmas clean-up a man took his anger out on the games console, a court heard.

Kalvin Baker, 50, of Chandler Close appeared before magistrates in Swindon charged with causing £10 worth of damage to the Playstation 2 belonging to Kerry Lynock. He pleaded guilty to the charge, but has replaced the item with a newer, more expensive model, magistrates were told.

The court heard an argument broke out on Boxing Day. Prosecuting, Vyvyan Thatcher told magistrates: “There was an argument which escalated with some very unpleasant comments being made. This went from being purely verbal to punching the Playstation 2 on the bedroom floor.”

Defending Baker, Kim Moules said: “This happened on Boxing Day, as usually happens there is a lot of sorting out to be done. They have a two year old boy and Mr Baker found himself running around doing all of the clearing up and sorting after Christmas Day.

“Unfortunately his partner decided to play on the Playstation for an hour rather than help which led to the argument."

“He regretted it and recognises it was completely unwarranted."

Ms Moules added: “He is very disappointed in his actions and is very sorry. He has had time to reflect on the situation and is very disappointed.”

He was sentenced to a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge. No award for compensation was made in light of him replacing the console with a higher value item.