UPDATE: A guest at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle has been ordered to pay £400 in compensation after causing extensive damage to his hotel room and leaving blood on the walls and floors. The incident, which occurred on September 21, 2023, has raised significant concerns about guest safety and hotel management practices.
Authorities report that Alexander Sweeney, 32, was arrested after hotel staff discovered the chaos in his room. Upon entering, the hotel manager found a smashed framed picture, glass scattered throughout the carpet, and an air conditioning control unit ripped from the wall. The room was described as “completely trashed,” with curtains pulled down and a damaged light bulb.
Prosecutor Clare Haswell stated that staff had been alerted to a disturbance involving Sweeney and his partner in the early hours of the morning. When they inspected the room, the extent of the destruction was shocking. “The defendant was covered in blood,” Haswell reported, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Despite the hotel claiming that the damage amounted to £3,000, Sweeney’s defense attorney, Peter Doherty, argued that the actual cost was much lower and expressed Sweeney’s remorse for the incident. Sweeney, who had traveled from Stirling, Scotland, for a night out, claimed to have no memory of the events leading to his arrest.
During the court proceedings, District Judge Paul Currer acknowledged the seriousness of the damage but found the hotel’s damage estimate to be “a bit unbelievable.” He ultimately ordered Sweeney to pay the compensation alongside a £150 fine after he pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.
As investigations continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks hotels face with unruly guests. The Crowne Plaza is now reviewing its security protocols to ensure the safety of both staff and patrons.
This breaking news is not only a cautionary tale for hotels but also raises questions about guest behavior and responsibility during their stays. What measures will be taken to prevent future occurrences? This developing story is one to watch.
