A TEENAGE taxi worker went on a wrecking spree at his place of work -- leaving a car which had to be scrapped.

Burnley magistrates heard how Michael Andrew Hirst, 19, was among a gang who set about the vehicle and then started on plasterboard walls in the office.

Hirst, who was spotted drinking a bottle of vodka before the morning melee, was bailed until August 1 for a pre-sentence report.

The bench told him they were considering a community penalty.

The defendant, of Skelton Street, Colne, admitted two counts of damage.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said the damage occurred at James Taxis, Hallam Road, Nelson.

The defendant and another man got into a Volvo car, belonging to a friend of the owner and the pair began hitting the windscreen, which was then ripped out.

They kicked out at another window and smashed it and at some point the whole gang began jumping up and down on the car bonnet.

A 17-year-old present told them to stop but they ignored him.

Hirst later admitted he had claimed some Asian youths were involved in the attack to try and cover up his involvement.

Mr Snape said the car owner later found the vehicle had all its windows smashed and it looked as if it had been kicked all over.

It had to be scrapped and the owner got £450 for it.