A 24-YEAR-OLD man who had been drinking at a wake for a family member who had allegedly been murdered got into trouble twice on his way home.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Terence Joseph Anthony Maughan, 28, of Cleaver Street, Burnley, was able to 'buy' his way out of trouble after smashing a taxi window.

But in a second incident, he kicked the doors of a private hire vehicle.

Maughan, who pleaded guilty to criminal damage, was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £200 compensation and £50 costs.

Neil White, prosecuting, said police had been involved when Maughan had smashed the window, but he had paid for the damage and the owner was happy not to proceed with his complaint.

"Despite that, he was allowed to hire a taxi," said Mr White. "There was an argument and when the taxi stopped he got out and kicked the doors."

Nigel Holden, defending, said Maughan was related to Eamonn McDonagh, the 17 year old traveller tragically killed last week. He had travelled to Blackburn to be with the rest of the family and a considerable amount of drink had been consumed.