iPad Bent iPad (8th Generation) ....What Options Do I Have?

[Vado]

My girlfriends daughter's iPad (8th Generation) 32GB Wifi suddenly stopped working last week. After removing it from it's hardshell case she noticed the aluminium shell of the iPad has flexed and buckled at the location of the smart connector.

This bend in the aluminium shell has broken the touch input on the screen. The iPad has been kept in a hardshell plastic case since it arrived, her daughter is seven has always been extremely careful with it.

I can't understand how this has happened as even I would need to apply considerable force to buckle the back case.

The original order was placed on 30th November 2020 and Delivered 5th January 2021. She doesn't have AppleCare. She has taken it to an Apple Store and they've given her a quote to repair it.

This is the warranty check info:

What options does she have? I'm in the UK.

What is the best way to remove there Activation Lock and Erase it if I can't use the touch input or connect it to my mac?

 

[Vado]

Anyone able to help?

 

[Howard2k]

Can you erase it with Find My?

Use Find My to locate your lost Apple device or AirTag - Apple Support

If you lose your Apple device, personal item connected to an AirTag, or other Find My network accessory, use Find My to find it or mark it as lost to protect your device and personal information.

support.apple.com

• When you erase your device, all of your information (including credit, debit, or prepaid cards for Apple Pay) is deleted from the device, and you won't be able to track it using Find My.
• If you remove a missing device from your account after you erase it, Activation Lock will be turned off. This allows another person to turn on and use your device. Learn more.