A FAMILY-run car dealership suffered significant damage totalling over £63,000 – after three youths went on a late-night rampage.
10 vehicles on the dealership’s forecourt, based in Ulverston, Cumbria, were damaged, including a £52,000 Ford Wildtrak pickup truck that was recklessly driven into other vehicles.
A family-run Ford dealership recently suffered significant damage totalling over £63,000[/caption]
Three youths went on a late-night rampage damaging 10 vehicles on the dealership’s forecourt[/caption]
According to North-West Evening Mail, Alan Myerscough and his family who run the Ford dealership suffered “financial repercussions and stress,” South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court was told on October 2.
The “extensive damage” to multiple motors was caused by Regan Satterthwaite, 21, and two other youths aged 15 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Myerscough revealed how the incident had occurred during an already difficult time for his family, following a bereavement.
He described the culprits as “irresponsible and disrespectful individuals,” as the court heard that the defendants acted maliciously and caused extensive damage without regard for the repercussions.
Myerscough’s insurance layer covered the claim, but he had to pay £2,000 in excess fees.
In a statement to the court, he said: “We are a local family run business who all work hard to make the business successful. We take pride in our business, and a considerable amount of time goes into the running of it.
“When we left the business over night, we expected to find everything how it had been left. We were extremely shocked to find the level of damage that had been caused.
“We do not know why someone would want to cause such extensive damage. They caused the damage without a care in the world.
“The individuals who made the decision they did were irresponsible and disrespectful individuals. It is difficult to understand why someone would behave in such a poor manner.
“The week prior to the incident, our family suffered a bereavement. At a time when we should have been focusing on grieving and planning the funeral, we had to deal with the damage caused. This added unnecessary stress at an already difficult time.
“This has had a significant impact on the business, myself and my family. The unnecessary stress is ongoing.
“We were left with a significant percentage of our stock being unsellable for several months.
“I feel that the extensive damage caused has been inflicted maliciously and intentionally.”
The sentences handed down included community orders and youth rehabilitation orders, along with compensation payments of £666.66 each to cover the insurance excess.
