A CREWKERNE man who was refused any more drinks at a pub because he was so drunk took out his anger on a window by smashing his fist through it on the way out.

When the licensee of The Bear Inn at Wincanton confronted Robert William Way and asked him why he had done it he replied “Why not?”.

The defendant fled the scene but was caught soon after by police and was agitated and screaming abuse at the officers.

He then had to be treated in hospital and have fragments of glass removed from his hand.

When he appeared in the dock before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil he told them he wasn’t “perfect” adding that he had chosen to vent his frustration out on property rather than a person.

The 27-year-old defendant, of Seaborough View, pleaded guilty to damaging a window worth £125 belonging to Zoe Garvin at Wincanton on June 14.

He also admitted failing to comply with a community order imposed for previous offences after failing to turn up for four appointments.

Prosecutor Emma Lenanton said that on the day in question Way had been out drinking at the Bear Inn in Wincanton and was refused service at 11.30pm due to his level of intoxication.

“He left the premises and was witnessed punching a window pane of the pub causing it to smash,” she said.

“Miss Garvin, the licensee asked him why he smashed it and he said ‘Why not?’

“He was found by police running across the car park of the nearby police station and when he was asked to stop he appeared to be intoxicated and agitated and was screaming abuse.”

The defendant was found to have an injury to his right hand and he admitted punching the window and was then taken to hospital where he had numerous small particles of glass removed.

In a statement made by Miss Garvin she said that this type of incident had an impact on her business and had caused an inconvenience and financial cost.

The court also heard that Way was also currently subject to a community order and although he had missed four appointments, was still determined to engage with the Probation Service.

Probation officer Joe Harper said: “He has been experiencing some housing problems and has been given a notice to quit his current accommodation.

“Regarding the incident at the pub he has also said he would rather hit a wall and destroy property rather than hit a person.”

Way told the magistrates: I’m not perfect and do struggle with my mental health.

“I made a bad decision that night in the pub but I’m not a violent person and take my frustration out on property.

“I am now having a lot of help from Probation and my mum and dad are hugely supportive.”

For the criminal damage the magistrates ordered Way to pay £125 compensation to the Bear Inn and £30 towards costs.

For the breach of the community order they imposed an extra five Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.