A 49-year-old said he smashed a window in Hereford city centre so he could spend a night in a police cell, a court heard.

Mark Poyner of Roman Road, Holmer, Hereford pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a property at Hereford Magistrates Court last Thursday.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said Poyner struck the window of Cross and James Estate Agents in King Street with his walking stick on April 8 at 11.40pm, leaving a two-foot crack.

Matthew Lewis, defending, said there is limited provision for the homeless in Herefordshire, and Poyner is currently unhappy about where he is housed.

He said due to Poyner's mobility issues he finds it difficult to travel to and from Hereford city centre.

Mr Lewis said, during the evening in question, Poyner said he was upset after a police officer pushed him.

Mr Lewis said Poyner then found himself in the city centre, with no means of getting home.

During the police interview following his arrest Poyner said the reason he committed the offence was to spend a night in the police station.

He said Poyner would prefer to be living in prison than where he is at the moment.

Poyner was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £40 costs and a victim surcharge of £15.