A BUS operator was ordered to pay compensation to a woman for damaging her door and window.

Paul Thomas Laing, 25, of Brankin Drive, Darlington, appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, yesterday.

Graham Ablett, for Laing, told the court that the woman had a reputation for driving erratically and she had caused damage to two of Laing's vehicles in October last year.

He said Laing, who runs two buses, has visited the woman a number of times to speak about the matter but she had been abusive.

She entered into a correspondence with his claims advisor, but Mr Ablett said she then "had a go" at Mr Laing's partner.

Laing, who had been drinking, returned home to find his partner extremely upset, so he went round to the woman's house on May 24.

He banged on the window, which broke, then went to the door, which he damaged when he kicked at it.

Laing, who admitted the offence, was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £500 compensation and £34 court costs.