A MAN previously banned from a town’s boozers has pleaded guilty to criminal damage after smashing a pub window.

Andrew McCarthy, 61, had been banned from pubs in Egremont under the Pubwatch scheme five years ago.

McCarthy went to the Kings Arms pub in Egremont on the evening of December 8, but was told he was not welcome, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said staff heard a smash and saw McCarthy stood outside. He had smashed one of the windows.

Police arrived and the defendant was found next to the smashed window with cuts to his hand.

McCarthy, of Chapel Street, Egremont, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property under £5,000.

Sean Harkin, defending, said: “This defendant was placed on Pubwatch not to attend any pubs in Egremont, five years prior to this incident.

“His ban had expired and the defendant thinks he is able to go for a pint in his hometown.

“He gets to the pub and they tell him he’s still not welcome. In his frustration, he causes damage to the window.

“His brother had died two days previous. His mam had gone into a care home. That doesn’t excuse his behaviour. He apologises to the pub.

“He hasn’t troubled the court for some time. He has stayed out of trouble for a period of time.”

Magistrates fined McCarthy £40 and ordered him to pay £200 in compensation to the owner of the pub. He must also pay £85 costs and a £16 surcharge to fund victim services.