Pub window smashed after row

Burnley magistrates were told how agitated Craig Anthony Clayton (28) punched the window after being asked to leave. He was known to the landlord, who said if the defendant paid up, he wouldn't press charges. But the only payment, of £50, came from Clayton's girlfriend.

Clayton, who has a record for damage, admitted breaking the window, to the tune of £254, at the Union Exchange, on January 15th. The defendant, of Sainsbury Crescent, Nelson, was made subject to a £200 compensation order.

Miss Janet Sime, defending, told the court Clayton was a carer for his partner who broke her back in a road accident.

The solicitor continued: "He doesn't remember anything about it until he was at the hospital having 15 stitches in his hand, which is very badly scarred after this incident."

Miss Sime added the defendant had had no money to pay for the damage, as he and his partner had been back and forwards to Huddersfield to visit a sick relative.