An Exeter man so drunk police took him to hospital has been ordered to pay compensation to a pub in Pinhoe for smashing a laptop in a row over a refund.
A 44-year-old man has appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court after he smashed up a laptop in a Pinhoe pub, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Brett Burgess, of Peppercombe Avenue, Whipton, Exeter, pleaded guilty to criminal damage from November 14 last year.
The court heard Burgess was a regular at the pub and had been drinking there that day. His behaviour became more familiar with members of the public and he was going up to other tables before eventually being asked to leave.
Simon Dusting, prosecuting, said the defendant agreed to leave as he had a booking for Christmas day and didn’t want to fall out with the manager.
However, he re-entered shortly after and demanded that the manager return the money he had paid for the Christmas booking.
The police were called, and as the manager was processing the refund, Burgess lashed out at the laptop, cracking the screen and causing permanent damage to the value of £800.
When officers arrived, Burgess was at another pub, semi-conscious and unable to stand properly. An ambulance was called for him.
Burgess has previous convictions including for possession of an offensive weapon.
Stephen Nunn, defending, said: “He was taken aback to hear of this charge. He remembers very little about that day. He was so affected by drink that police took him to hospital.”
Nunn added that the defendant had been going through difficult times but that things were now “on the up”.
The magistrates ordered Burgess to pay full compensation of £800 and a £26 surcharge.
