A DRUNKEN man charged at two traffic wardens and then punched and kicked the car they took refuge in, a court head.

The two female enforcement officers were left badly shaken and tearful following the incident in Darlington town centre on June 16.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, yesterday heard how the defendant, Owen Thomas Suckling, had been assaulted himself that evening and had reported it to the police shortly before he turned aggressive.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said one of the victims had witnessed the 32-year-old come out of the Boot & Shoe pub with a head injury and head across the Market Place and into Horsemarket.

The victim overheard Suckling, of Landsdowne Street, Darlington, call the police and speak to the call operator in a “loud and abusive” manner.

Concerned, she called the council and asked for Suckling to be monitored on CCTV.

Ms Hesse said: “The defendant then ran towards her and a colleague, putting them in fear of violence and forcing them to take refuge in their vehicle.

"He then punched and kicked the vehicle a number of times causing damage. The complainant drives away and he continues to gesticulate towards them.”

In statements read out in court, both victims said they had been left shaken, tearful and unable to sleep.

One added: “It has knocked my confidence. We are often sent out on our own and without a vehicle. If that had been the case on this occasion we could have been seriously hurt.”

Suckling pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive words and behaviour and criminal damage. He also admitted possessing a class B and a class A drug, charges relating to small quantities of cocaine and cannabis police later found in his possession.

Callum Terry, mitigating, said his client had been under a lot of pressure and had gone out to “let his hair down.”

He said Suckling had drunk so much alcohol that evening he had no recollection of the incident, adding: “He is very sorry and embarrassed for what he did.”

Magistrates adjourned the case until Tuesday, August 2, for a pre-sentence report. Suckling received unconditional bail.