A drinker who smashed up his favourite boozer after a row with the landlady unwittingly landed himself a court appearance.

The police had given up hope of catching Andrew Cooke, 37, of Rodbourne Road, when he walked into Swindon police station 14 months after the bust-up in January last year.

Cooke's defence solicitor, Martin Wiggins, said his client heard the police were looking for him so decided to put forward his version of events.

Officers arrested him on the spot and he was brought before District Judge Simon Cooper sitting at Swindon Magistrates Court yesterday.

Mr Wiggins said his client was taken by surprise at the arrest after assuming police had dropped the case.

Anna Humphries, prosecuting, said Cooke a self-employed painter and decorator walked into the Shield & Dagger in Thamesdown Avenue on January 10. A barmaid, who did not know that Cooke was barred for a previous altercation, served him a beer.

Mrs Humphries said the pub landlady recognised him and a verbal argument broke out.

"The landlady went to speak to him and told him to leave," she said. "The defendant said he would once he had finished his drink.

"The landlady poured it away and it was at this point that he picked up a pool cue and smashed some lights."

Mrs Humphries said the barmaid just 18 years old was left shocked and upset.

In police interview, Cooke claimed the damage was caused during a struggle with the landlady.

But later, Cooke accepted the landlady's version of events. Mr Wiggins said: "My client left the pub that night thinking there would be no further action.

"Last month he heard that police had called at his mum's address.

"He is a man of previous good character and decided to go to the police himself. He was then arrested.

"Mr Cooke accepts that he has been stupid and he regrets his actions."

District Judge Cooper fined Cooke £125 and ordered him to pay £134 costs.

The defendant offered compensation but the landlady was unable to provide receipts or say how much damage was caused.

The judge told Cooke: "This was indeed a stupid act and you frightened a young barmaid, but I am satisfied that you did not evade your responsibility and I am giving you credit for your guilty plea."

The pub has since changed hands.

Kevin Shoesmith