Drunk smashed up mum-in-law's car in social media row

He then called and sent abusive messages to his wife

- Sentinel Reporter

AN alcoholic has landed himself in court after shattering his family relationships in a series of drunken outbursts.

Kiely Welsh smashed his mother-in-law's windscreen before sending her and his wife a slew of abusive messages between September and October. North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the 37-year-old lost his temper after seeing a post his mother-in-law had shared on social media.

Welsh - who has previous convictions for affray and assault - then fuelled his rage with drink instead of seeking a rational solution.

Prosecutor Sue Hayers said: "The offending began when the defendant's mother-in-law parked her car at her address.

"He had taken issue with some things she had posted on social media. He went to the address and smashed her windscreen.