A FATHER who drank 20 pints of cider is rueing his actions today after damaging a taxi while wetting his baby’s head.

Daniel Burgess, of Poppy Close, Ipswich, apologised for his actions when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

The remorseful unemployed 32-year-old admitted causing criminal damage worth �200 to a taxi driven by Clive Lynch.

He told the court: “I apologise for what I have done. I have saved up �200. If anyone ever did that to my car I would expect them to pay it.”

Previously Wayne Ablett, prosecuting, said Mr Lynch was driving along Silent Street at 11pm on November 26 when he saw Burgess and a group of friends in the middle of the road, blocking his way.

Burgess lay across the bonnet of Mr Lynch’s car, before removing himself from the vehicle.

However, as Mr Lynch drove past Burgess, he struck out with his arm causing damage to a wing mirror and badge on the bonnet of the vehicle.

Burgess then swore at Mr Lynch.

The incident caused damage valued at �200.

Burgess told the court he had been out celebrating the birth of his son and had consumed 20 pints of cider.

He added that what he did was out of character.

After hearing how remorseful Burgess was, District Judge David Cooper decided not to order him to pay �85 prosecution costs.

However, he told Burgess he must pay Mr Lynch �200 as compensation.