AN angry pub-goer took out his misplaced revenge on a stranger when he thrust a road sign through the back window of his car.

Stuart Reddick, 36, caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the victim's Vauxhall Corsa when he launched his booze-fuelled attack.

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard Reddick damaged the car as an act of vengeance on behalf of a friend.

Katharine Houghton, prosecuting, said the victim left the Red Lion pub, in Manningtree, after midnight in August.

"He got into the car with his friends and started to leave when he heard a bang," she said.

"This was a road sign being put through his back window."

She added: "A group of males, one of whom was the defendant, began kicking the car, causing more damage to it. "Photos show the rear window smashed, several scratches to various parts of the body work."

After contacting his insurance company, the victim was told the cost of the damage totalled £3,086.

He was forced to fork out an excess of £390.

Reddick, of Haddon Park, Colchester, was later arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and once in custody was found to be carrying a wrap of cocaine.

He was later offered a conditional caution by police if he agreed to pay the damages, but was eventually summonsed to court.

He admitted charges of criminal damage and possession of a class A drug.

His solicitor in court, Lucy Osborn, said the court proceedings were a "shame", as Reddick had been willing to accept the conditional caution and pay for the damages.

"He had been in the pub with a couple of friends," she said.

"One of the friends had been the victim of a violent attack and the friend said 'that's the man who attacked me.'

"It turns out that this was the wrong man, but friend quite sure of it at the time.

"So Mr Reddick sought his revenge by damaging the car."

She added: "He says he had consumed a level of alcohol and his judgement was impaired. "He is ashamed to have the description of his behaviour read out in court today.

"With the benefit of hindsight, looking back on the situation, he can say he handled it very wrongly.

"He accepts the situation, accepts responsibility, is remorseful and willing to pay for the damage."

Magistrates ordered Reddick to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £625 in compensation and court costs.