A MAN who damaged Covid protection screens at a Bournemouth hotel must pay more than £400.

Matthew Morris James damaged acrylic Covid screens at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bath Road.

Appearing before Poole Magistrates' Court, the 55-year-old of Avon Castle Drive, Ringwood, was charged with a single count of criminal damage.

He pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened on October 9 this year, at a hearing on December 10.

He was discharged conditionally for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 compensation.

James must also pay £85 court costs and £22 victim surcharge.