A CAR parked with its engine running in Skipton, was attacked by a man with a shovel, heard magistrates.

Alexander Bruce smashed two windows of the car parked outside his house in Nelson Street, Skipton, and damaged the roof, causing an estimated £2,767 of damage.

Bruce, 42, of previous good character, had suffered a 'medical episode' as a result of the car's revving engine on November 13 last year, the Skipton court heard today (Friday).

He had first asked the owner of the vehicle to turn the engine off as it was 'doing his head in', the owner had responded 'yes' after which Bruce had gone back inside and returned with a shovel, the court was told.

Prosecuting Matthew Rose said Bruce's actions had been more than an impulsive act as he had gone back into the house and returned with a spade.

The vehicle, a Seat Leon, had been modified and not covered by insurance, but repairs were put at £2, 767.

Bruce, of Nelson Street, who admitted criminal damage,  had suffered significant mental health problems all his life and was on medication, the court heard in mitigation.

Unlike other people, he was unable to deal with some situations and it was believed the revving of the car had triggered a medical episode.

He had never been in trouble before, had been fully cooperative with the police, and he had grabbed the shovel as he had been using it at the time.

He was very remorseful and although unable to tell the owner of the car, expressed his regret through the court.

Magistrates gave him a 12 month conditional discharge with no costs or surcharge.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £500 to the owner of the car after magistrates said they believed the £2, 767 was a write-off estimate and unlikely to have been the cost of getting the car back on the road.