A MAN who wrecked a lift in The Tower in Cwmbran has been jailed for eight weeks and told to pay the housing association who own the building £3,500.

Michael Rhys Williams, 31, of Bagley Court, Thornhill, Cwmbran pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage on Thursday, October 19 at Newport Magistrates’ Court.

The damage, at the Bron Afon-maintained building, meant residents had the inconvenience of only having one lift to get up and down the building.

He was in the lift with another resident at around 2am on March 24 of this year and started to jump up and down heavily which damaged the starter motor and caused the lift to stop.

He then spent two hours ripping the panels off the side of the lift along with damaging the button panel and doors as well as the CCTV unit.

Ricky Douglas, community manager for Bron Afon, said: “Our residents in the 80 flats had a massive inconvenience for around a month because of this man’s vandalism.

“We are pleased the court sent out a strong message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would to thank PC Jon Woods for his perseverance in investigating this case and getting a successful prosecution. It was a perfect example of partnership working.”

He was also given an 18-month suspended sentence.