A 62-YEAR-OLD businessman described as a "pillar of the community" has dodged jail despite a £47,000 wrecking spree involving 56 cars.

Mohammed Qureshi's rampage happened after his business failed following a terrifying armed robbery.

A court heard how the "pillar of the community" had an undiagnosed mental disorder at the time.

Qureshi was caught on CCTV cameras in Middlesbrough scratching dozens of parked vehicles.

The hour-long spree started at about 2.30am on October 20 last year, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Chris Baker said he was caught after one owner saw what was happening outside his home.

Qureshi fled in his own car, but the householder followed him towards Stockton after alerting police.

The former businessman had been drinking, but blood tests showed he was not over the legal limit.

He also had a craft knife in his vehicle, which had been used to scratch the cars, said Mr Baker.

Judge Tony Briggs today (Wednesday, April 20) imposed a nine-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.

He told Qureshi: "I can't imagine anything more irritating or annoying than having your car scratched.

"This particular matter is quite bizarre. You are a good deal older than most people coming before the court.

"It is highly unlikely you would have behaved in the way you did but for your medical state."

Rachel Dyson, mitigating, said Qureshi did not know any of the owners and it was not an act of revenge.

She told the court: "There is no suggestion of any grudge. It is completely out of character.

"There are two references confirming that. He was a pillar of the community and a successful businessman."

Qureshi, of Grange Road, Thornaby, admitted nine charges of criminal damage and having a blade in public.

He asked for a further 47 offences of damage to be taken into consideration by the judge.

Vehicles in Errol Street, Woodlands Road, Victoria Road, Abingdon Road, Waterloo Road and Egerton Street were affected.

There was damage to paintwork, some over the full length of the car, and others with repeated, deep scratches on the bonnet.

Taxi driver Zaid Majid, 47, said both his own car and his hackney carriage cab were scratched in the attack.

Shafiq Hussain, 42, who also lives on Victoria Road, said he believed the damage would cost up to £400 to fix.