SMASHING wing mirrors off three cars while drunk has cost a man £400.

Jamie Thompson admitted three charges of criminal damage when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe magistrates’ Court.

The 20-year-old of Lewes Road in Darlington also pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer and possessing 2.7g of cannabis after the incidents in Ferryhill on June 30.

Prosecutor Paula Sanderson said police were called to Ferryhill at about 3.10am to reports of cars being damaged.

A witness had seen three people one of whom, Thompson, was punching and kicking the wing mirrors off parked cars.

Thompson then resisted arrest and when he was searched police found the Class B drugs, the court heard.

Mrs Sanderson said he caused £300 worth of damage to the three cars.

Andrew Clinton representing Thompson, who at the time was living on Davy Street in Ferryhill, said his client had little recollection of the incidents after getting drunk at a house party.

He said causing the damage was out of Thompson’s character and he is remorseful.

Magistrates gave Thompson a 12-month conditional discharge but ordered him to pay £300 compensation, £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.