Drunk Swindon man smashed two windows on night out

Andrew Saunders caused more than £1,000 worth of damage when he went to Cheddar on September 21 last year.

He had been drinking with friends and rated himself as “an 8 or 9 out of 10 in terms of how drunk he was”, prosecutor Tom Power told the court.

He explained how one of Saunders’ friends put down a bottle of beer “to relieve himself”, when the 29-year-old suddenly picked it up and threw it at Old Rowlands Christmas Shop.

Andrew Saunders. Photo: Facebook.

He also took down a garland from the storefront.

Saunders and his friends then proceeded to walk along The Cliffs when he punched the window at Gorge Bear Company. By this time, it was the early hours of the next morning.

He caused a total of £1,100 in damage, and is now under a community order for a criminal damage offence that post-dated these offences, Mr Power said.

Defending, Charlotte Frizzell said her client’s best mitigation was the “full and frank admissions” he made in police interview.

“His behaviour was clearly very reckless,” she said.

“Because he hadn’t come before the court at this stage, a conditional caution may well have been considered [by police], but it wasn’t that night because of the amount [of damage]. That should have been considered.”

Ms Frizzell said that at the time of the incident, Saunders’ mother had recently passed away and he had split up with his long-term partner.

“Unfortunately he wasn’t dealing with it very well, he buried his head in the sand, started rinking to excess to cope with the bereavement.

“The drink made him act in an unpleasant manner, contributing to his actions in Cheddar that evening and morning.

“He has stopped drinking completely and has stated he has asked for professional help.

“I hope you will accept that this bout of offending is out of character. He makes it clear he is very sorry for his actions and very embarrassed.”

Saunders, who pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage, appeared in the dock having surrendered to the police station this morning. The court heard he had missed his previous court date and a warrant was issued.

Ms Frizzell said this was because he did not receive the postal requisition.

The industrial cleaner, of Welcombe Avenue, was ordered to pay a total of £1,100 in compensation to the two shops.

The community order will continue to run.