Punch meant for man misses and hits car

Last updated 16:12, Wednesday, 27 August 2008

A MILLOM man accidentally damaged a car when he tried to punch one of the passengers, a court heard.

GUILTY: Gavin Robertson

Ms Lisa O’Loughlin, prosecuting, told Furness magistrates: “The owner of the car, Ryan Fretter, had parked his car on Market Square in Millom.

“In the early evening, Mr Fretter got into his car with two other men, one of which was his uncle.”

As the men, who were also related to Robertson, were about to drive off, the defendant came over and began arguing with Mr Fretter’s uncle, the court heard.

Robertson then struck out at the man, but connected with the door of Mr Fretter’s Peugeot 306, resulting in some scratching to the paintwork.

Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, said Robertson had impulsively lashed out and had not intended to damage the car.

Mr Roberts said: “He has apologised to the owner of the car and they have shaken hands, he has also given him £200 to pay for the damage.”

Robertson, of Devonshire Road, Millom, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Furness Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The 31-year-old, who has previously served a jail sentence for causing actual bodily harm, was given a 12-month conditional discharge. In addition he was also ordered to pay £60 costs.