Last updated at 12:42, Wednesday, 09 March 2011

A former soldier who smashed a window after going out drinking to blot out memories of his time serving in Ireland has appeared in court.

Stephen Bitcon, 39, admitted criminal damage on January 9.

Carlisle magistrates heard how he suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after leaving the Army.

Bitcon, of Little Broughton, Cockermouth, was seen by CCTV operators smashing the window of Club Rock in Botchergate at around 4am before hiding in the doorway of The Griffin.

He was then tracked to the Stop Stop takeway and police were called and he was arrested.

Defence solicitor Gyve Walker said Bitcon still suffered from PTSD and was “suffering bad nightmares from his time in Ireland.”

Magistrates adjourned the case until March 29 for pre-sentence reports.

First published at 11:23, Wednesday, 09 March 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk