A MAN has been told to pay hundreds of pounds after he damaged a pub.

Alexander Sams, 49, of The Greenway, Clacton, was intoxicated at the Bell in Thorpe le Soken when he damaged plant pots, a bench and threw objects at a window.

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard Sams had been drinking in the pub at the time on September 8, causing £280 of damage.

The court heard he was struggling to cope with his mother's health as he was her sole carer.

He apologised to the court and said he had saved the money up to pay for the damage.

Magistrates fined Sams £80, told him to pay £280 compensation to the pub, £85 court costs and £30 victim surcharge.