FORENSIC tests carried out on a car with a smashed window discovered spatters of blood and finger prints belonging to Nathanial Smith. And on Thursday Smith appeared before Ely magistrates, and admitted interfering with Peter Burrows car in Ely. Mr Burrow

FORENSIC tests carried out on a car with a smashed window discovered spatters of blood and finger prints belonging to Nathanial Smith.

And on Thursday Smith appeared before Ely magistrates, and admitted interfering with Peter Burrows car in Ely.

Mr Burrows had left his Vauxhall Vectra near his home, waiting to get it MoT tested and taxed, said prosecutor Olivia Gooding.

Between 8pm on August 19 and 7pm the following day, the car was subjected to £90 worth of damage. The driver's door window was smashed, and the steering column broken.

Smith, 21, of Newbridge Lane, Wisbech, also admitted that he was in breach of a conditional discharge imposed back in May, for an offence of theft.

Solicitor Lowri Roberts explained to the magistrates: "He saw the vehicle and thought it was abandoned, it looked like scrap.

"It was not taxed, and he was tempted to see if there was anything inside the vehicle. He is extremely sorry for his actions. It was an impulsive thing to do, and he very much regrets it."

Smith was ordered to carry out 80-hours of unpaid work, and pay £90 compensation and £95 costs. The court also revoked his conditional discharge, and fined him £100 with a £15 surcharge for the previous theft offence.