Ex-Husband Rips Up Wife's Wedding Dress

A recently-divorced husband ripped his ex-wife's wedding dress to shreds in a symbolic gesture that their marital life was over when she was late returning to relieve him of child-minding duties.

Other clothing was destroyed during the wrecking-spree and was followed-up with a catalogue of abusive phone calls and texts to the ex-wife.

Painter and decorator Anthony Ranford, 48, of Samuel Lewis Trust Dwellings, Ixworth Place, Chelsea pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to clothing and footwear belonging to Aimee Ranford and Sarah Holliday at Hawthorn House, Townmead Road, Fulham on New Year's Day.

He also pleaded guilty to communicating an offensive message on January 3 after his ex received thirty-one calls and texts from him between 10am and 12am.

Prosecutor Miss Helen Clutton told Hammersmith Magistrates Court the couple had a ten-year relationship, were married for the last four years of it, and had two children.

“On January 1 Mr. Ranford was looking after the children and Aimee Ranford woke up late and called to apologise and he became abusive.

“When she returned home she found her wedding dress was ripped and had blood stains on it, a leather jacket was damaged, other clothing and a pair of trainers belonging to Sarah Holliday.”

Ranford told the court his marriage ended due to his ex-wife's infidelity, claiming she already had another man lined up when they parted.

“We split on October the fifteenth and my wife had her first date on the sixteenth, she says, but I know she started dating in August.

“The offences were due to her adultery, unsuitable babysitters and her Skyping her new boyfriend on Christmas Day and texting him on Christmas Day.

“The damaging of the wedding dress was an acknowledgment that our married life was over.

“I thought the trainers belonged to my ex-wife. All the other items were purchased by me.”

Ranford also complained he was paying excessive maintenance via the Child Support Agency, adding: “I've been paying over the odds in money.

“It's been £100 per week even when I have them five days a week, which means I should pay £38.

“The whole wedding I paid for and I was arrested for stealing the £4,000 wedding ring, but it's since resurfaced.”

Ranford was placed on probation for twelve months and must complete 100 hours community service work; pay £2,500 compensation to Aimee Ranford; £200 compensation to Sarah Holliday; £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

“We feel you have shown no remorse,” bench chairwoman Valerie Gorter told him. In fact, you have sought to justify what you've done, but there is no justification.”