Deaf homeless teen smashed door in Sheffield to find shelter

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court – sitting at Sheffield Crown Court – heard how Thomas Ashmore-Barbosa, aged 19, of no fixed abode, caused the damage at the Thornsett Properties’ premises, on Figtree Lane, in Sheffield city centre, on May 2.

David Marshall, prosecuting, said: “A witness describes hearing smashing glass at premises on Frigtree Lane, Sheffield, and police were called and found a door had been smashed.

“The defendant returned to the address when police were there and he appeared to be in possession of a key to one of the flats inside the address.”

Mr Marshall added Ashmore-Barbosa admitted he was homeless and had wanted somewhere to sleep so he had smashed the glass with a brick and smashed a key safe to get the key.

Ashmore-Barbosa, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to causing damage.

Yvonne Wragg, defending, said Ashmore-Barbosa had been released from custody and had been asked to leave a hostel and could not contact his social worker and had sought shelter at these flats.

She added he intended to stay at the flats for a couple of days until he could contact his social worker.

Ms Wragg added: “To be on the streets and to be deaf and to only be able to communicate by lip-reading and sign-language must have been frightening.”

Magistrates sentenced Ashmore-Barbosa to a 12-month conditional discharge but warned if he commits another offence he will be re-sentenced for the damage.

He must also pay £239 compensation.