A man who initially kept his cool during a dispute with another hostel resident eventually “lost it” and ended up being arrested.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Costello began punching doors and then threw a chair across the dining room causing it to break.

Costello, 51, of Ribble Avenue, Darwen, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a chair belonging to Shadsworth House. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £40 compensation.

Glen Anderton, prosecuting, just after 8am Costello was in the dining room with a member of staff and another resident.

“The other resident was causing issues and made threats towards the defendant,” said Mr Anderton. “At that stage the defendant was not engaging with him and the other man was escorted to his room.”

Mr Anderton said Costello then followed and started screaming at the other man. He was taken back to the dining room.

“He lost his temper and after punching several doors picked up a chair and threw it across the room,” said Mr Anderton. “He immediately apologised and said it had not been aimed at staff.”

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had lost his temper because of the behaviour of the other resident.

“He should have walked away but he didn’t,” said Mr Price.