A MAN punched holes in the walls of a Darwen hotel after drinking heavily.

Blackburn magistrates heard Anthony Craig Halstead had been on the wagon for some time and reacted badly to the drink.

Halstead, 39, of Birch Avenue, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the walls of room 110 at the Travelodge, Commercial Road, Darwen. He was fined £120 with £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

Suzanne Byrne, prosecuting, said the room had been booked by the defendant's partner who was concerned he was going to start drinking again.

"He left the room and came back with a large  amount of alcohol some of which he consumed," said Miss Byrne.

"Without warning he punched the wall of the bathroom twice making a hole. She tried to restrain him and eventually managed to calm him down."

Miss Byrne said Halstead had no convictions since 2017 but had seven previous convictions for criminal damage.

Janet Sime, defending, said her client's partner had contacted the Travelodge and paid for the damage already.

"I have concerns that he may in some way be covering for her but he has admitted he was responsible," said Miss Sime.