A DRUNK reveller looking for a place to sleep smashed his way into a parked Mercedes after he mistook the vehicle for his own, a court heard.

Bryan Scott, 33, was spotted by Colchester Council’s town centre CCTV operators “staggering around” in High Street, Colchester.

They watched on as he approached the parked car and took aim with his fists and feet.

Sharon Hall, prosecuting, said: “He appears intoxicated, staggering around and was seen to thump and kick the vehicle.

“The police were notified and were en route when he was seen to take off his belt, swing it at the rear windscreen and cause that to smash.”

Scott, of Mumford Road, West Bergholt, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken to Colchester Police Station.

In interview, he claimed he mistook the Mercedes A Class for his own vehicle.

He appeared before magistrates yesterday and admitted a charge of causing criminal damage.

The owner of the vehicle requested compensation of £95.

Apologising for his actions, Mr Scott said he had consumed “a lot” of alcohol at an anniversary party.

“I had no intention of damaging someone else’s property,” he said.

“I thought I had lost my keys, I wanted to go to sleep in my car.

“I was walking around trying to get a taxi.

“I have my logbook with me you can see it is the same car, the same year - everything.

“A few weeks previously I had locked my keys in the car and had broken the passenger door handle to get in the car.”

He added: “I was out since 6pm that night until 4am, it was an anniversary party and obviously there was a lot of alcohol.

“I apologise - I haven’t had a drink since that night.”

Magistrates imposed a conditional discharge, meaning Scott will face no further action provided he commits no further offences over the next six months.

He must pay £200 in fines and court costs, including the requested £95 compensation to the owner of the Mercedes.