UPDATE: A guest at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Newcastle has been ordered to pay £400 in compensation after causing extensive damage estimated at £3,000 during a chaotic night out. The incident, which occurred on September 21, 2023, left the hotel room covered in blood and debris, sparking urgent police involvement.
Witnesses reported a disturbance involving Alexander Sweeney, aged 32, who allegedly “completely trashed” the hotel room alongside his partner. Upon inspection, hotel management discovered blood smeared across the walls and floors, shattered glass from a framed picture, and a ripped air conditioning control unit. Additionally, curtains were pulled down, and a light fixture was damaged.
Prosecutor Clare Haswell stated in the Newcastle Magistrates’ Court that hotel staff were alerted to the disturbance in the early hours of the morning. “The manager was informed that the defendant was covered in blood,” Haswell said. Upon entering the room, staff were met with a scene of devastation, including smashed glass and a messy carpet.
Sweeney, who traveled to Newcastle from his home on Linden Avenue, Stirling, claimed to have no recollection of the events that transpired that night. He was arrested and later pleaded guilty to criminal damage. In court, his defense attorney, Peter Doherty, contested the hotel’s assessment of the damage, arguing that £3,000 seemed exaggerated.
District Judge Paul Currer addressed Sweeney directly, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “For one reason or another, you were injured and caused damage to the room,” he remarked. “While the extent of the damage is clear, I think £3,000 is a bit unbelievable.”
Sweeney’s legal repercussions include a £150 fine in addition to the compensation order. As the story develops, many are left to wonder about the circumstances leading to such a dramatic incident in a city center hotel.
The Crowne Plaza incident underscores the potential for nightlife chaos and its consequences, raising questions about guest behavior and hotel security. Authorities continue to monitor similar situations, reminding patrons of their responsibilities while enjoying evenings out.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
