LUKE Carter had a "smashing" time when he made a return visit to his old school.

Blackburn magistrates heard that in a drunken escapade the would-be Marine Commando broke into the school and caused £500 worth of damage to windows and doors.

But defence solicitor Richard Prew said the offence was totally out of character for his client and a complete aberration. Carter, 18, of Rollaston Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to causing £500 worth of damage at Witton Park High School. He was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £500 compensation and £55 costs. Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, said the school had been closed for the Easter holidays when a break-in was reported. When Carter was arrested and interviewed he said he had wanted to look round his old school. He said he broke windows and doors so he could gain access to various rooms, including the headmaster's office.

Richard Prew, defending, said Carter had been linked to the incident by DNA evidence after cutting himself on a window. "This can only be described as a drunken escapade," said Mr Prew. "He was extremely drunk and other than that can offer no explanation for what he did. He had ample opportunity to steal if that had been his intention but it was not."

Mr Prew added: "Since leaving school he has always been in full-time employment. He is a junior leader with his church youth group and has just started his Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme. He completed training with the Marines and was told he should come back when he is older, which he intends to do. He is full of remorse for this offence."