A MAN who had to be restrained by police with CS gas after smashing up his mother's house appeared in court yesterday.

Gareth Trevor Harrison, 22, of Dodds Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and two charges of resisting a police officer.

Magistrates at Newton Aycliffe heard how, on November 6, Harrison became angry with his mother, Sheila, after she refused to let him use her car because he did not have the relevant insurance.

Mrs Harrison then received a phone call from her daughter to say that Harrison was smashing up the house.

Toby Thomas, prosecuting, said police were called but Harrison, described as thick-set, refused to calm down and struggled with officers. Eventually, a female officer had to spray him with CS gas.

Michael Clarke, mitigating, said Harrison had since been reconciled with his mother and had spent £300 repairing the damage.

Mr Clarke said: "He fully accepts that his behaviour in the cold light of day was totally unacceptable and is genuinely sorry for the trauma he has caused his family."

The bench chairman Colin Beadle said: "This was a prolonged offence and CS gas had to be used to restrain you."

Mr Beadle adjourned the case until January 19 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.