HEARING about the deaths of two people close to him, led to a Newport man smashing a pub window.

Malcolm Botham, 61, of New Street, admitted criminal damage to a window at The George Inn in Newport, to the value of £100, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday 22).

Ann Smout, prosecuting, said the incident happened on September 14, 2018, when Botham was told his friend had died.

He broke down in tears, was very emotional, and had clearly been drinking. As he walked past The George Inn he clenched his fist and when a friend tried to stop him smashing the window, he replied: "I don't care, I have just lost my best friend."

He smashed the window, cutting his hand.

Police originally gave him a conditional caution and a £100 compensation order.

The compensation was never paid, but Botham claimed he had given the cash in an envelope to a member of staff at The George Inn. Mrs Smout said he would have been clearly instructed to make any payments through the court.

Oscar Vincent, for Botham, said there had been a misunderstanding over the how to make the payment.

He said Botham had suffered a double bereavement as a close family member had also died, so he was emotionally fragile.

Magistrates gave him a six-month conditional discharge, and ordered him to pay £100 compensation to The George Inn, plus £85 court costs and a £20 surcharge.