A PLAY-fight resulted in a man going through a letting agency's shop window, a court heard.

Philip David Pearson, 27, of Godiva Road, Leominster, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the value of £595 belonging to Caldicott Letting Agency.

Amy Davies, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday, said that Pearson had been staying with a friend in School Lane on March 13.

They left the property at 5pm to go out into Leominster for drinks before returning between 8pm and 9pm.

They brought further alcohol back and continued drinking.

Pearson and another friend Aaron Burford began play fighting, grappling and pushing each other.

"The property owner left for 30 minutes as he was angry by their behaviour," said Mrs Davies.

"When he returned they were still doing this and he asked them to stop. The defendant left the property but returned 45 minutes later. He and Burford starting play fighting in the street and Burford went through a window smashing the glass causing an injury to his arm."

On interview Pearson admitted to causing the damage to the window.

He told police that he and Burford were 'life-long' friends and it was never a full fight. He admitted he was in drink and not in full control of his actions.

Burford had been previously brought before the court and ordered to pay half of the compensation.

Chris Read, mitigating, said that Pearson and Burford had been 'larking about' in the street and unfortunately Burford went through the window.

He added: "The window was stained glass and caused quite a nasty injury to Burford."

Pearson was handed a conditional discharge for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £297.50 compensation, £135 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.