Kettering man, 27, sentenced for breaking into asylum hotel, smashing up interior and assaulting police officer
A Kettering man has been sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 16 months, after causing over £8,000 worth of damage to an asylum hotel in Surrey, close to Heathrow Airport.
Jake Holder, 27, pleaded guilty to affray, burglary with intent to cause damage, criminal damage, Section 4A public order and assault of an emergency worker during and after an incident at The Stanwell Hotel in September.
Holder’s rampage began at 7.53am on Tuesday, September 30, after he had jumped over the fence surrounding the building and forced his way into the hotel.
He then began a violent attack – smashing crockery, TVs and mirrors. He broke glass panels on the staircases, ripped down banister posts and damaged hotel room doors. Throughout the incident, Holder was shouting aggressively at hotel staff, including making threats to kill and frightening them with a fire extinguisher.
Spelthorne Borough Commander Inspector Matt Walton said: “Holder’s violent actions caused significant damage and distress during his rampage at The Stanwell Hotel. He inflicted thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to the property and his threatening behaviour left people at the hotel feeling intimidated and fearful."
Surrey Police officers arrived at the hotel within seven minutes and immediately arrested Holder. He then verbally abused a police officer using homophobic language and while in custody, kicked a second officer. He was charged the following day and was remanded in custody.
Holder appeared at Chichester Crown Court on Friday, January 16 where he was sentenced to a total of 16 months’ imprisonment suspended for 16 months.
He was also required to conduct 120 hours of unpaid work, undergo an alcohol treatment program for six months, engage with rehabilitation for 12 days, and pay a victim surcharge.
Inspector Walton added: “Although Holder’s actions occurred early in the morning and were not connected to any organised protest outside the hotel, I recognise that some people may draw comparisons with recent demonstrations in the area. The overwhelming majority of those protests have been peaceful, and it is our duty to facilitate lawful protest while balancing the rights of demonstrators with the safety of the wider community.
“However, where significant damage, disorder or disruption occurs, whether during a planned protest or as a separate incident, we will not hesitate to use our powers to address and prevent criminal behaviour."