A GAMBLER went berserk after losing £500 on a gaming machine.

Blackburn magistrates were shown CCTV footage which showed Ionut Vaduva first punching the machine and then picking up a stool and using it to batter it.

Ionut Vaduva, 34, of Agnes Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to causing damage to a gaming machine belonging to Admiral Casino. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Nasima Patel, prosecuting, said the incident occurred at 1.30am by which time the defendant had been in the arcade for several hours.

“He wasn’t happy because he felt the machine was faulty, having lost £250,” said Miss Patel.

“Because he didn’t get a refund he smashed the machine up.”

Bill Rawstron, defending, said his client had lost £500 and not £250.

“He pleads guilty to the offence but at the present time he can neither agree or disagree with the valuation,” said Mr Rawstron.

“The damage is put at £1,926 but there is nothing in the evidence I have been shown to support that estimate.”

Miss Patel said she understood the machines cost in the region of £25,000. She said she would endeavour to contact the owners for a detailed breakdown of the cost of repair.