A family has been left 'scared' and emotionally 'scarred' after their daughter's knife-wielding ex-boyfriend broke into their home.

Ashton Cuff, aged 18 and resident of Walker Crescent, Weymouth, appeared in Weymouth Magistrates Court charged with burglary to cause damage and possession of a knife.

On the night of June 15, 2023, Cuff trespassed into the rear garden, and then the conservatory, of a home in Weymouth with a karambit knife - doing damage to property as he went. He was 17 years old at the time.

Robert Salame, prosecuting, told the court that Cuff had been in a relationship with the then 16-year-old daughter of the residents but it had ended. 

Mr Salame told the court that Cuff was staying at his grandparents house on the night of the incident. He was in a bad mood - drinking 'as much alcohol as possible' - becoming intoxicated - and not taking his ADHD medicine.

He was browsing on his phone when an image of one of the victims appeared - without his intention - on social media. 

Upon arriving at the home in Weymouth, he damaged the two cars in the driveway before entering the back garden, the court was told. He damaged the guttering and exercise equipment before entering the unlocked conservatory to do yet more damage including a rugby ball belonging to the young son of the victims.

The occupants became aware someone was in the home and called the police.

Shortly afterwardxs, Cuff was found and searched by police, who found the knife in his possession and arrested him.

Mr Salame read a statement from one of the victims stating: "I am not sure anyone can put into words the impact he has had on our family. It was extremely stressful and scary. Since that night we have lived like prisoners in our own home.  My daughter has anxiety attacks as a result - it is not something she will fully get over.

"He has left scars on our family that will never truly heal."

The victim added that although they pay a subscription to use a local leisure centre, they do not feel comfortable going as Cuff currently works there part-time. Additionally, they have installed security cameras all over their home to help them feel safer.

The court heard that Cuff's father had already paid £1,000 compensation to the victims.

Mitigating, Lee Christmas said: "At the time of the offence he was a juvenile. He must be sentenced as if he was a juvenile. he has no previous convictions or warnings and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

"He is an extremely vulnerable young man. This is a unique incident arising from a unique set of circumstances. It is not a burglary in the traditional sense. He did not break in to steal things, he went through an unlocked conservatory to do damage.

"Drink played its part, as did not taking his medication. Since June there have been no further offences," said Mr Christmas.

Chair of the magistrate's bench, Iain Stevenson, said: "The offences you are charged with are extremely serious and I think you have accepted that.

"You are a young man starting out in life. This was an extremely silly thing to do.

"We are not going to send you to prison for this offence, but it is so serious that a custodial order could have been made."

Cuff has been given a 24-month community order. He must complete 300 hours of unpaid community work, attend 30 rehabilitation activity days, and attend the Choices and Changes Program.

He must also pay £1,365 in compensation for damage to the front door, £500 compensation for psychological harm, £85 in court costs and a surcharge of £115. The knife is to be forfeited and destroyed.