A READING man kicked down a door in two and started shouting at his partner’s friend in front of their kids, a court has heard.

Luke Sampson, of South Street, Reading, was today jailed for criminal damage and breaching a restraining order after trying to see his children in an incident in January 2022.

The 28-year-old had been banned from contacting his ex-partner after committing battery against her in June 2021.

He was only allowed to visit his children after getting permission from social services.

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But he broke this rule when he visited his ex-partner’s neighbour's house in an attempt to see his children late in the evening on January 24.

He was told to leave twice but he returned on two more occasions.

Sampson started shouting through the letterbox and kicked down the door until it split in two.

Jessica Peck, prosecuting, said Sampson then out his head through the broken door and shouted abuse at his partner’s friend until she left.

In a victim statement read by Ms Peck, Kelly Martin, the friend, said: “He seemed very angry and aggressive. I was very worried and scared. I didn’t know what he would do if he came inside the flat.

“I have seen him angry before but never like this.

“The children were left extremely frightened and were crying.”

Sampson was arrested and remanded in custody in February following guilty pleas at Reading Magistrates’ Court.

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Reading Crown Court heard how Sampson had previous convictions for harassment, breaching a restraining order, battery and criminal damage from the past six years.

His defence barrister, Sarah McIntyre, said Sampson was engaging with friends, family, and his local church in an effort to rehabilitate.

She explained his actions last January by saying: “At the time, social services were not being proactive in arranging appointments so he could see his children.

“But he knows this is no excuse for turning up.

“He wants to try and get rehabilitated so he can take care of his family.”

Her Honour Judge Nott, sentencing, said it was “really sad when the criminal courts get involved in disputes between partners and it is sad for the children.”

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She continued by saying his actions would have had a “catastrophic effect” on the children who witnessed the incident.

The judge said it seemed to her that Sampson was trying to address “whatever his demons” were.

Sampson was sentenced to six months in prison for criminal damage and breaching a restraining order.

He has already served nine weeks in prison so will be eligible for release in the coming weeks.

The 28-year-old was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, April 21.