AN ISLE of Wight man who smashed the window of a Transit van while drunk and high on drugs told magistrates he thought the vehicle belonged to his father.

Ewan Bird, of Londesborough Road, Southsea, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, July 11.

The 23-year-old admitted criminal damage in Brading, on June 25.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court Bird had been out drinking and taking cocaine.

She said he had been out with his father and girlfriend, and ended up back at the latter’s house, where an argument took place.

The court heard Bird had been holding a kitchen knife and threatening to self-harm, and eventually ran from the address, turning his attention to a Transit van he believed to be owned by his father.

Ms Smout said he punched and smashed the front passenger side window, injuring himself in the process and requiring treatment.  

She said the vehicle actually belonged to a member of the public.

Amy Hosell, defending, said Bird impulsively struck the vehicle once and did not think the glass would shatter.

The court heard he had not touched drink or drugs since that night.

He was ordered to pay £200 compensation.