AN ‘ABUSIVE’ man who smashed a pub’s window and door in a seaside town following a night-out has avoided jail.

A scared staff member at the White Horse pub in High Street, Swanage called the police after 11pm on Sunday, August 22 after Stephen Jonathan Clarke repeatedly hit the pub’s windows wanting to come in.

Clarke, aged 37, was heard to be ‘abusive’ on a 999 call to police and the sound of glass breaking could also be heard.

Prosecuting, Siobhan Oxley, told Weymouth Magistrates’ Court: “Police received a call from staff at the pub in Swanage.

“This was a report that a male had smashed the window and doors trying to get in.

“The sound of glass breaking could be heard during the conversation along with the abusive tone of the male defendant.”

Officers arrived at the scene, but Clarke was not there. Clarke was also reported to police for ‘attempting to start fights’ in Swanage town centre and was later found on High Street.

“A further call was received in respect of the defendant in the manner he attempted to start fights”, Ms Oxley added.

“He was restrained by members of the public and when police arrived at the pub, he left the scene but he was found elsewhere on the High Street.

“He became aggressive towards police and as such they needed to put in place spit guards and restraints.”

Clarke was arrested and taken into custody and said he would pay for any damage. During police interview, he made no comment.

Clarke, of Ulwell Road in Swanage, entered a guilty plea for criminal damage and told magistrates: “I was reckless, guilty”.

Clarke was previously issued a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Bournemouth Crown Court in October 2019, which meant this criminal damage offence had breached the suspended prison sentence.

Mitigating, Kenny Sharpe, said Clarke has been improving his life since October 2019 and had a ‘good relationship’ with his probation officer.

He was aware that Clarke could be sentenced to prison, but urged magistrates to not trigger his suspended custody sentence.

Mr Sharpe said: “I know that when that sentence was passed at Bournemouth Crown Court, the main theme of that sentence was to address a long-standing drug habit.

“From that sentence, it has been a success. As an accident it can be, a free night sponsored by his friend was too difficult for him to say no.

“He has always offered to pay the money (to fix the window).

“He recognises the fact what he did was clearly wrong and caused a financial impact on someone else.”

Magistrates gave him a 12-month community order, with a requirement to undertake 50 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He must pay £100 in compensation to the pub, £85 in costs and a £95 victim surcharge.