A MAN was arrested for smashing a pub window – just hours after being released from prison.

Gavin Knock admitted a charge of causing criminal damage during a hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

Justices heard how the 29-year-old, of Beacon Field in Felixstowe, was arrested shortly after walking free from prison last week.

Knock had been picked up from the rail station by his mother and taken back to Felixstowe. Alan Wheatman, prosecuting, told the court the defendant bought a pint at The Dolphin Hotel pub in Felixstowe.

He said the barmaid had seen him play on the fruit machines. “No-one was in the area at the time and she watched him go in the gentlemen’s toilets,” he added.

“A member of the public then came into the pub and said that the window at the back of the pub had been smashed.”

The court heard the pub’s landlord followed Knock to Adastral Close where he was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken to Martlesham police investigation centre. Ian Duckworth, for Knock, said he consumed half a bottle of vodka.

“He couldn’t remember anything after this and then remembers waking up in police custody,” he said.

“He doesn’t dispute what happened and apologised for any aggravation he had caused.”

Mr Duckworth said Knock had been trying to bring his drink problem under control.

Magistrate David Broughton said: “Bearing in mind where you have just come from and what you have done since that release, you might consider this to be your one chance.”

He also faced two assault charges against his former partner Hollie Holmes, with whom he has a one-year-old daughter, from April 30 and May 6 which he pleaded guilty to.

Knock was released on conditional bail and his case was adjourned until August 28 for a pre-sentence report.