A GWAUN CAE GURWEN man caused almost £700 of damage when he jumped on the bonnet of a parked car after a drinking session to celebrate his birthday, a court has heard.

Philip James Lee, of 18 Ger yr Afon, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place at Brooklands Garage in Cwmaman Road, Garnant, in the early hours of Boxing Day.

Prosecutor Gerald Neave told Ammanford magistrates that Lee was arrested and, when interviewed, had admitted causing the damage.

Mr Neave said: "After he was charged he went to see the victim, apologised for the incident and agreed to pay for the damage, which cost £667"

Lee, aged 20, admitted to the court that he had agreed with the car owner that £600 would be sufficient and duly paid up.

But Mr Neave told magistrates that a claim for compensation for £667 had still been submitted and there was no record of Lee paying up.

"We agreed that I had to pay £600 and I have a receipt to show that I've paid in full," Lee told the court.

"If I had known that I had to pay the extra £67 then I would have," protested Lee.

Magistrates gave Lee credit for his guilty plea and fined him £40 for the offence and also ordered him to pay £60 costs.

They did, however, refuse to award any compensation, saying that if the owner still wanted the remaining £67, he would have to sue Lee privately.