A MAN who smashed a taxi windscreen with a two foot piece of wood in a drunken rage has been spared jail.

David Hoare, 49, of Tynewydd Road in Barry appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, May 12 having previously pleaded guilty to affray and criminal damage.

Gareth James, prosecuting, said that on January 20 a family had gathered in a pub in Barry following a funeral at 1pm and stayed until 5pm.

Sometime shortly afterwards the family became involved in a confrontation with the defendant, who believed his coat had been stolen.

The family decided to leave but “did not know where they were” and so went to find a taxi to take them back to the Premier Inn where they were staying.

“A white taxi pulled up on the opposite side of the road,” said Mr James. “David Hoare got out and walked towards the woman, her husband and brother. He had a piece of wood which was two foot in length.”

The brother ran away and the husband backed away from Hoare who Mr James said was “clearly very angry”.

The woman flagged down a taxi cab.

When Hoare noticed that the driver appeared to be taking photographs or filming him he tried to get in and then struck the taxi with the piece of wood smashing the windscreen and causing £230 worth of damage.

Kevin Seal, defending, said: “It does him no credit the way he behaved that night but he has pleaded guilty.

“He was drunk and he accepts. He has had some trying times over the past few years and realises drink is not the answer.

“He has not been in trouble for a number of years. He is a hard working man who takes care of two families. It was an overreaction to what happened.”

Recorder IWL Jones said it was sad to see a man like Hoare in the dock.

“Your coat had been taken and you lost your temper. It must have been a frightening scene for members of the public," he said.

“The taxi driver was being public spirited and you misunderstood the situation. This was out of character.

“You have problems in your life but drink is not the answer to these problems. You are a hard working man.”

He sentenced Hoare to eight months imprisonment suspended for 12 months for the affray and one month suspended for 12 months concurrently for the criminal damage.

He was ordered to pay £230 compensation, £250 costs and a £140 surcharge and to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.