A DRUNKEN Ramsbottom man locked out of his girlfriend's home smashed his way in with a spade, a court was told.

James Reynolds turned up at her Bury home, and said: "Let me in before I do something stupid," Bury magistrates heard.

Reynolds, 23, of Fern Street, Ramsbottom, admitted criminal damage but, after hearing Reynolds had made efforts to repair the £150 damage, he was given a conditional discharge for 12 months with £45 court costs.

Roger Taylor, defending, said Reynolds was drunk and his girlfriend did not want him around until he sobered up.

Reynolds did not like that and carried out the damage which he since regretted and had made efforts to put right.

He had been forgiven and his girlfriend had come to court.