A man’s revolting hate campaign came to an end when the family he was targeting installed CCTV at their home to catch him red-handed.

Damian Ayles, 23, defecated on his victims’ doorstep on several occasions and then pushed the mess through their letterbox.

He also smeared his excrement over the family’s cars in the driveway in his prolonged campaign, magistrates heard.

Damian Ayles

Ayles, of Beechings Way, Twydall, was caught out the fourth time he performed the vile act when the homeowner handed over video footage to the police and a sample was taken that matched his DNA.

He was arrested and charged with harassment without violence, and appeared before magistrates in Medway, where he pleaded guilty.

Kate Mulholland, prosecuting, told the court the family’s nightmare started in April last year, when they found faeces on their doorstep early one morning.

At the time the matter was not reported to the police, and the faeces were cleared up by the homeowners.

Mrs Mulholland said: “It was a prolonged campaign against one family when on Wednesday, April 14, they found faeces inside their letterbox.

“Then on September 18 they woke up and there was more faeces on the doorstep.”

Magistrates also heard the family made a similar discovery the next day.

This time, the homeowner called the police and a sample was taken that matched the DNA of Ayles, who lived nearby.

The hearing happened at Medway Magistrates Court

At this point, officers also advised the family to get CCTV cameras installed at the property, and within days, Ayles was caught defecating on camera.

Mrs Mulholland added: “He is seen walking up to the door, pulling down his trousers and squatting on their doorstep.”

The court was told that the incidents had a huge impact on the family, so much so they no longer feel safe in their home.

Mrs Mulholland added: “This has had a significant impact on the family who have three children who have been frightened.

“This has had a significant impact on the family who have three children who have been frightened" - Kate Mulholland

“During interviews Ayles accepted he had done it.”

Magistrates decided to adjourn sentencing to allow pre-sentencing reports to be completed on him, but warned him they were looking at all options – including custody.

Lawrence McVeigh, chairman of the bench, said: “This is a very offensive and disgusting series of events.”

Ayles was also warned the Crown Prosecution Service would be applying for a restraining order to prevent him going anywhere near the family.

Ayles will be sentenced at the same court on March 23, and was placed under curfew each night from 8pm to 6pm until then.

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