//Committed to the Crown Court.!//
But it isn't clear who made the decision, retro.
Criminal Damage where the value is greater than £5,000 is an "Either Way" offence, meaning it can be tried in either the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court. The initial decision on the venue is made by the Magistrates. If they believe the matter is too serious for their court, they commit the defendant to the Crown Court for trial and the defendant cannot override that decision. However, if they decide to retain the case, the defendant then has the right to elect trial before judge and jury (and if they do, that is their right and the court cannot override it).
Most of the eco-looneys elect Crown Court trial in an attempt to frustrate the Criminal Justice System.