A YOUNG man had a "moment of madness" after smashing the windows of a car parked outside the house where his ex girlfriend was.

Jason Lee Ashton, of Cambridge Court, Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, admitted one charge of criminal damage at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday, after causing more than £1,300 worth of damage to a Kia Rio car, in Spennymoor, in June.

The court heard how the 25-year-old smashed several windows and admitted the offence when questioned by police.

Ashton, who represented himself in court, is previously of good character and said he had apologised.

He said: "I regret my actions, it's not something I perceive myself doing."

Magistrate, Gary Walker, said Ashton had had a "rash moment of madness" and said he did not want to see him in court again.

He gave him a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered him to pay £60 in compensation - to cover the insurance excess - as well as £85 in costs and a £35 victim surcharge.