WAYNE Mason threw a set of weighing scales through a window at Darwen Post Office after becoming frustrated in his efforts to track down his giro.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Mason had been passed from pillar to post and was without money to buy food as he tried to get what he was entitled to.

And his actions in the GPO had been born our of sheer frustration at what he saw as a never-ending situation.

Mason, 41, of Ivinson Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was ordered to pay £450 compensation as penalty for the offence.

Nick Turner, prosecuting, said Mason had caused £919 worth of damage when he threw a set of scales through the parcel counter window.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said Mason had not been in trouble since 1986 and the latest offence was a result of his frustration.

Mr Ditta said that when his giro did not arrive Mason went to the job centre where he waited all day to be seen.

"When he got to the counter he was told to go to the Post Office and check that it wasn't there," said Mr Ditta. "He went to the Post Office and was sent back to the job centre and, in the meantime, he has no money for food."

The following day he went back to the job centre at 9.30am, waited until 2pm to be seen and was told they couldn't help him and to go back to the post office.

This time, when he did not get any satisfaction at the post office, out of sheer frustration, he threw the scales at a partition," said Mr Ditta. "I am not asking you to condone what he did but perhaps you can feel some sympathy with his position."