A FORMER British National Party candidate was caught on closed circuit TV smashing up a car belonging to a love rival.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Shannon Peter Gath caused damage estimated at £1,400.

The court heard that Gath had gone to the home of Jason Taylor in the early hours to 'have it out' with him.

And four days after venting his anger on his rival's car he handed himself in to the police.

Gath, 34, of Castlegate House, Clitheroe, who appeared from the cells after being arrested on a warrant, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and failing to surrender to bail.

He was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation for the damage and detained in the cells until court finished for the failure to attend.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, said Mr Taylor looked out of his home in Woone Lane and saw a man standing outside. Initially he thought there was a disturbance outside a neighbours address.

"He checked his own CCTV and saw a man who he knows to be the defendant damaging his car," said Mr Harrison.

Nigel Holden, defending, said : "My client had been seeing the aggrieved's former girlfriend for about 18 months and it would appear Mr Taylor was not happy about the relationship."

On the evening of the incident Gath had been at a party and was making his way home at around 2am when he decided to confront Mr Taylor.

Mr Holden added: "He shouted but Mr Taylor saw fit not to come out and my client started to take it out on the car instead."

"He apologises for his behaviour and accepts that, whatever his feelings, his actions on that night were wrong."