Man smashed car window in 'unintended but reckless' act

A Douglas man who 'lost his head' and smashed a car window when drunk has been handed a two year conditional discharge.

36-year-old Jonathan Mellor damaged the rear window of a Vauxhall car on March 25th when a piece of wood from a bench he was destroying at the time broke off.
 
Police who arrived on the scene near the Chesterfield Hotel noticed the damage - and the broken seating - and arrested him; he later pleaded guilty to a charge of damaging property. 

At Douglas Courthouse earlier this week the prosecutor told the court it was 'unintended but reckless none the less' - the court was told Mellor had apologised to the police saying 'I'm sorry - I feel horrible about it'. 

Mellor had been offered the opportunity to pay the motorist's excess and accept a caution but had been unable to come up with the money so the matter had come to court. 

His advocate said he did want to pay the compensation but admitted his physical and mental health were in 'dire straights' and he was totally reliant on benefits. 

Sentencing Mellor Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said it was clear alcohol was 'at the bottom' of his offending - she ordered him to pay £75 in compensation, £125 in costs and imposed a six month licensing ban.