BIRTHDAY celebrations turned sour for drunken James Mansfield when he smashed a window at an Ely nightclub. The manager of the Glass House saw Mansfield punch the stained glass triple glazed window, and then detained him until police arrived. Twenty-four-

BIRTHDAY celebrations turned sour for drunken James Mansfield when he smashed a window at an Ely nightclub.

The manager of the Glass House saw Mansfield punch the stained glass triple glazed window, and then detained him until police arrived.

Twenty-four-year-old Mansfield offered to pay for the damage - but had no money on him, city magistrates heard.

Mansfield, of The Southerns, Sutton, admitted causing £350 worth of damage to the window belonging to Noel Glass on March 9.

"He co-operated with the police, but could not remember breaking the window, because he had drunk eight pints of cider and blackcurrant," said prosecutor Delia Matthews.

Mitigating, solicitor Michael Judkins said Mansfield had gone out on a Saturday night with two friends, to celebrate his birthday.

"He had more drink than he intended," said Mr Judkins. "He went to Cambridge, and then returned to Ely by train. A friend thought it would be good to finish the night off at The Glass House, and he consumed his final two pints there.

"The taxi was booked, but something happened when he got outside, and he ended up smashing the window. Drink was the over-riding factor that led to him causing the damage."

He said Mansfield had completed the 100 hours of unpaid work he was given by Fenland magistrates last year, and had reduced his alcohol consumption following counselling.

"He is keen to pay for the damage, he intends to pay it within a month," he added.

Mansfield was fined £250 and ordered to pay £350 compensation, £70 costs and a £15 surcharge.