A Man Drove An Excavator Into Travelodge Because He 'Wasn't Paid Properly'

John Manley, of St Aidan’s Way, Netherton, had previously said that criminal damage to the hotel but he contradicted damaging property.

The 35-year-old also denied the charge of dangerous driving at Liverpool Innovation Park in Milton Road. One the opening day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court, John confessed that he caused danger to people at the construction site.

After the incident, he was treated at the hospital for mental health issues and pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) acceded his pleas.

Mr. Carville said: “He’s a family man and the concession is this is going to be immediate custody.”

“He’s had problems and there were social problems which caused this offence, notably the failure of his immediate employers to pay him over the Christmas period, then asking him to work for nothing on the eve of this offence.”

“He has two young children your honor.”

John was first arrested in June.

On the day of the incident, workers witnessed the orange digger mowed through the hotel’s entrance. It tore through the front door and glass doors and windows were shattered when parts of the framework collapsed.

Merseyside Police released a statement saying: “We are appealing for information after damage was caused to a hotel under construction.”

“A report was received shortly before 3 pm that the digger was being driven into the entrance of the Travelodge building. The driver then left the vehicle and made off on foot.”

“One man experienced an eye irritation due to exposure to diesel and was treated at the scene by North West Ambulance Service. It is not believed anyone else was injured in the incident.”

“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services and contractors attended to ensure the site was safe.”