A man who admitted drunkenly smashing two shop windows “remembers little of his crimes”, a court was told.

Craig Jeffrey pleaded guilty to damaging windows, worth £700, at Tanfastic and The Chippy, in Market Street, Westhoughton, in quick succession on April 29.

Bolton magistrates also heard Jeffrey, aged 25, admitted possession of a rock which he intended to use to cause damage.

The court was told that a witness, working in Tanfastic at the time, heard a “bang”, and went outside to investigate.

He saw Jeffrey, of Townsfield Road, Westhoughton, walking down the street with a woman, and continue along Market Street until he got to The Chippy and struck out at the window.

Police were called and they found Jeffrey nearby, with a rock in his jacket pocket.

The court heard that, Jeffrey simply answered “no comment” to questions in interview by police following his arrest.

Jeffrey was drunk at the time of the vandalism, and had little recollection of the incidents, although he did not feel in a position to deny the allegations, the court was told.

Magistrates also heard that Jeffrey takes medication to deal with a mental health issue, and that mixing it with alcohol has an “adverse impact” on his behaviour.

When asked why he had been drinking, knowing he was taking the medication, Jeffrey said: “I just did not think about my actions.”

The court heard Jeffrey, who is attempting to start his own business, feels “embarrassed and sorry” about what has happened.

Jeffrey, who has a partner and two children and lives at home with his mother, has several previous convictions.

He was bailed until May 28, when he will be sentenced after a probation report is prepared.