Repeat offender told to leave Guernsey

Monday 22 June 2020

A man who smashed the window of a local restaurant just one day after being released from prison has been put back behind bars for two weeks and ordered to leave the island when he gets out again.

Matthew Chinchen, 37, moved to Guernsey from Scotland two years ago and has been working in the island since.

He first spent time in the island's prison earlier this year, after being given a three month sentence for assault.

He was released in April and had only been out for a day, when a member of the public witnessed him picking up a glass bottle from a public recycling bin and striking the front of The Hook restaurant, along the Town seafront. He then went on to kick the window, causing it to shatter.

Although the island was in lockdown at the time, it was a Saturday afternoon and some people were taking advantage of their two hours' daily exercise in the area and a witness quickly contacted Guernsey Police.

Pictured: The incident took place along the Town seafront.

The defendant waited at the scene for officers to arrive and immediately admitted his guilt, apologising for the damage.

He claimed he had been struggling with personal issues, as well as the transition from prison to a locked down society. He said he had been planning to steal alcohol at first, but had come to his senses before breaking into the restaurant.

He had drunk "one or two" beers before the incident, but wasn't drunk.

"The situation upon Mr Chinchen's release was very different to when he went into prison," said Duty Advocate Phoebe Cobb. "Everything had gone wrong for him. His emotions got the better of him and he lashed out."

She explained to the Magistrate's Court that the defendant had moved to Guernsey to get away from a "negative friendship group" in Scotland.

"We would ask the court to be lenient and to give him a second chance," she added.

Pictured: The defendant had only just been released from prison when he committed the offence.

The defence suggested community service or a probation order but, following questions from Judge Graeme McKerrell, it was soon discovered that Chinchen currently has no permit to be living or working in Guernsey.

He had lost his job when he was sent to prison earlier this year and had been given a temporary permit on his release, which was valid until 23 May. However, he had since managed to secure work and staff accommodation and said he believed the business had dealt with his permit application.

"Mr Chinchen's intention is to stay in Guernsey," Advocate Phoebe Cobb told the court. "He really likes it here."

To this, Judge McKerrell responded: "We all like it here, it doesn't mean we can all live here.

"I can't let him wander the streets without anywhere to live. He's in a bit of a difficult position and I'm not going to let him go unless he's got somewhere to go to lawfully."

The defendant was remanded in custody on Thursday, and the case was adjourned overnight, while enquiries were made about permits and accommodation.

The court met again the following morning, on Friday, but it was maintained that it would be a "miracle" if Chinchen was granted another permit.

Judge McKerrell gave the defendant credit for his guilty pleas, but was unimpressed by his previous record.

"This offence was committed after one day of being out of prison," he said. "All you seem to have done since coming here is cause further trouble.

"In short, we don't want you here."

Chinchen will leave the island immediately after his release from prison.

Pictured: The defendant vandalised a window at The Hook restaurant.