LOUIS HACKETT'S RAMPAGE AT CLACTON CAFÉ: VANDALISM AND THREATS ON CHRISTMAS EVE

On Christmas Eve, a violent incident unfolded at a café in Clacton involving Louis Hackett, who caused extensive damage and issued threats against the owner and her family. The incident was detailed during a court hearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, revealing a disturbing pattern of harassment and destruction carried out by Hackett against his former partner, Lesley Youngs, who owns the Flags Café in Clacton.

According to court proceedings, Hackett, aged 52, entered the café with the apparent intent to cause chaos. He was accused of tearing down Christmas decorations that had been carefully arranged, an act that was not only destructive but also deeply upsetting for the owner, who had invested significant effort into creating a festive atmosphere. In addition to vandalizing the decorations, Hackett damaged a CCTV camera, further demonstrating his intent to disrupt and intimidate.

The court heard that Hackett also physically damaged property within the café, cracking a table by forcefully throwing it onto the floor. Serena Berry, the prosecutor, emphasized the emotional toll this caused Mrs Youngs, noting that Hackett’s actions were particularly hurtful given her dedication to building up her business. The attack was not limited to property damage; Hackett’s conduct extended to verbal abuse directed at Mrs Youngs’ son. The court was told that Hackett harbored a hatred for the young victim, which was reportedly rooted in his alleged homophobia.

Prosecutors revealed that Hackett called Mrs Youngs’ son derogatory names such as “nonce” and “paedophile,” and made threatening statements about kidnapping and raping him, including a chilling remark about tying him up in the back of a van and assaulting him sexually. These threats were not isolated incidents; in March, Hackett sent abusive voicemails to Mrs Youngs, during which he again directed threats towards her son.

The situation escalated when Hackett, who was identified as residing on Holland Road in Clacton, threw a large brick at the young victim’s car, smashing the rear window. Mrs Youngs expressed her fear that Hackett might escalate his destructive behavior, fearing further damage to her property or her café itself.

During the hearing, Raphael Piggott, representing Hackett, explained that his client had been struggling with the effects of alleged childhood abuse, which may have contributed to his recent actions. After considering the case, the magistrate, Mark Paget, sentenced Hackett to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. The court also ordered Hackett to complete 30 rehabilitation sessions, undertake 240 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs amounting to £844. This case highlights the serious consequences of harassment, threats, and vandalism, especially when directed at vulnerable individuals and small business owners in Clacton.