door during an early morning argument with his father.

Christopher Daniel James Charlton of South Road, Smith's Parish, pleaded guilty to causing wilful damage exceeding $60 to a door in the home of his father, Michael Lloyd Charlton, where he currently resides.

A social inquiry report was ordered for Charlton who was told to return to court on May 25 for sentencing.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner believed the case belonged in Family Court but heard it anyway.

Prosecutor Cindy Clarke said Charlton's parents were adamant that their son be prosecuted for the $125 worth of damage done to his bedroom door.

The court heard that an argument broke out between Charlton and his father at about 6.45 a.m. on March 31, and he punched a hole in a bedroom door.

After a discussion with his wife, Mr. Charlton decided to call the Police to deal with their son who had become increasingly unruly, uncontrollable and violent.

The parents said they feared for their safety as well as that of their other children.

Police arrived and found Charlton's parents shaken by the incident. They saw the damage Charlton had caused to the door and arrested him.

The court heard that he had priced a new door at $125.75 and was a student living at home with his parents and siblings.

Charlton said he was sorry for what he had done and Mr. Warner then outlined to him what it meant to be in a criminal court and noted that if he was convicted, the conviction would go on his record.

Charlton was then released on $300 bail with one surety.