A DRUNKEN Polesworth man who caused damage in an North Warwickshire pub after breaking up with his girlfriend has apologised for his "stupid" behaviour.

Paul Leslie Bailey had been asked to leave. "It seems he was being abusive towards other people and wanted to fight," prosecutor Philippa Cowley told Nuneaton magistrates.

After Bailey went to the loo at The Three Tuns, the barman became worried and went to check on his welfare.

"He [Bailey] punched a toilet door a number of times, punching holes in it. He went into the bar area and picked up a chair. The barman said it seemed as if the defendant was trying to hit out towards him with it. He didn't hit him but hit the gaming machine which had only been installed three days previously.

"The damage caused glass to fall into the machine."

Bailey, a 44-year-old welder from Chetwynd Avenue, pleaded guilty to causing £500 worth of criminal damage to the door and gaming machine at the Long Street pub on December 22.

"When interviewed, he said he had split up with his girlfriend that day and couldn't cope with work. He drank vodka.

"He remembers damaging the toilet door but can't remember the gaming machine. He said people in the pub were good people and he would pay for the damage."

Miss Cowley added: "It seems it would have been an upsetting and disturbing incident for people in the pub."

Bailey was fined £100, with £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge, and told to pay £350 compensation to the pub, a total of £550.

He said in court: "I can't argue with anything the prosecution have said. I was very stupid that night, I apologise. I've been to the pub and apologised to them.

"I am ashamed."

Presiding magistrate, Vivienne Ayriss, told him: "You recognise you had too much to drink in a public place and people were put in fear, especially staff who would know you."