Plant-thrower given slap on the wrist (update)

A 59-year-old man was today given an absolute discharge after he admitted throwing his neighbour’s potted plant off a dock.

Crown counsel Nicole Smith told the court Laurie Able and Robert Coombs were neighbours at The Wharf on Harbour Road.

On April 16, Ms Able moved out of her condo up to Green Bank Guesthouse while work was being done.

On April 22, Ms Able saw Mr Coombs throw a black pot over the dock, into the ocean.

Ms Able then contacted the police and an investigation began. Officers were able to retrieve the pot from the ocean, but the plant couldn't be saved.

On May 13, Coombs was interviewed and admitted picking up the pot and throwing it overboard.

Richard Horseman, lawyer for Coombs said his client had no previous convictions and was a man of good character.

“We all see that Ms Able has a long history with the board of the condo with plants being in the area.

“Words have been exchanged between the both of them and in a moment of frustration, he took the plant and threw it overboard.”

The court heard Coombs had submitted a written apology to Ms Able and had given her a gift certificate for $75 to Aberfeldy Nurseries.

Sentencing Coombs, Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo said: “I am not going to convict you of this offence.

“I’m going to give you an absolute discharge and I expect that will end the matter.”

Coombs pleaded guilty to causing damage to a flow pot, property of Ms Able.