The "reckless" drunken antics cost Edwin Francis Canell £200 in compensation when he admitted the offences at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court.

The 28-year-old was walking along the town's Stockton Road with a woman at about 11.20pm, when he got onto the bonnet of a parked Ford Fiesta car.

Prosecutor Catherine Reeves told justices: "He walked along the roof of the car and then walked off and dents were left in the roof of the car."

The second incident happened a short time later when a man who was driving home along Brenda Road towards Stockton Road saw Canell and the woman.

"The driver watched the pair cross the road and saw the defendant jump on the bonnet of a Hyundai vehicle which received three dents in total.
"The driver contacted the police, and when officers arrived the defendant was detained."

She added: "In interview he said that it was due to sheer stupidity as to why he committed the offences."

Canell, of Garside Drive, Hartlepool, represented himself and admitted to the court on Monday that he had a drink problem.

He said: "I've been going to Alcoholics Anonymous and it's helped. I've found it very helpful."

Chairman of the bench Sheila Creighton said: "The aggravating factor of this case is that you were really under the influence weren't you?
"The mitigating factor is that you've attended the Alcoholics Anonymous course.

"This was a reckless act and you did admit to your stupidity. You caused damage to both vehicles, but you have shown remorse. You did admit it was a stupid act and you realised in the course of time that you have a drink problem. It's a pity really that this has happened."

She ordered Canell, who pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal damage on November 18, to pay £200 compensation.