A MAN admitted causing criminal damage after smashing furniture and bowls in his former girlfriend's house.

Stuart Lister had been drinking because of his break- up with Pamela Bramley on the night he went to her house in Park Crescent, Darlington, the town's magistrates heard yesterday.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said Lister got the wrong idea when he saw her with a male friend and began to throw items around.

Lister, of Ripon Drive, Darlington, left the house and later returned, in the early hours of January 24, entering through a broken window.

Ms Bramley called the police after finding him in her bedroom.

Graham Hunsley, for Lister, said the 26-year-old had believed all was not lost in the relationship and had gone to see her.

Magistrates sentenced Lister to a six-month community rehabilitation order and ordered him to pay £250 compensation for the damage and £34 costs.