A MAN who smashed a glass door when he was refused drugs and later defecated in a police cell has appeared at court.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard that Jay Devine repeatedly kicked a door belonging to NECA in Darlington until the glass panel shattered.

Ansab Shan, prosecuting, said the 31-year-old had become frustrated when he was refused a prescription for his medication.

He said: “On February 20 he attended NECA for a prescription but he was unable to get one.

“He became frustrated and began kicking at the door a number of times which caused the glass within the door to shatter.

“He was subsequently arrested and taken to the police station where it is said that he began to scoop water out of the toilet and spread it around before defecating in the cell which then needed to be deep cleaned.

"The damage to the door is valued at £180 and the damage to the police cell is £150."

Devine, of Dublin Street in Darlington, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February.

He has 81 previous offences, 21 of which are for criminal damage.

Tom Iceton, mitigating, said Devine suffered mental health issues which cause him many difficulties.

He said: “I have to say that Jay sees things differently to what has been said.

“He went to NECA to get medication and they would not provide him with any because he had not seen a doctor.

“He became very, very frustrated due to the mental health issues which manifests itself as striking out.

“Whilst in the cell he would say police acted over-zealously, you can see the marks on his nose and there are marks on his body.

"He asked to see a doctor but was told he couldn't because of his behaviour and how he was presenting himself.

"However, he accepts the damage he has caused. I would ask you to take a lenient view when it comes to sentence. He is on Universal Credit and PIP because of the mental health issues he has."

Devine was handed a conditional discharge by magistrates and was ordered to pay £180 compensation to NECA and £150 compensation to Durham Police.

The court ordered no costs or victim surcharge and the compensation will be consolidated with his existing debt owed to the court of £2,604.91.

Chair of the bench, David Shallow, told Devine: "You have to make sure that you behave yourself and work with NECA, they are there to help you."