Drunken 'decorator' caught yellow-handed

A DRUNK was caught yellow-handed after an impromptu decorating session at a neighbour's home.

Sonny Westgate decided to brighten up the Bell Close house – but left a trail of yellow paint leading to his home.

Westgate, 50, of Stoke Street, Ipswich, admitted criminal damage.

Patricia Doggett, prosecuting, said the victim, who lives in Bell Close noticed Westgate's unwelcome "improvements" when she got out of bed at 5.30 pm on October 11.

She looked outside to see a trail of yellow paint leading to Westgate's home address.

Ms Doggett said: "[The paint] had run down the window and door. It was found on the steps leading to the alleyway towards Stoke Street to the defendant's premises.

"Officers spoke to Westgate and on his clothing yellow was found on his trousers and sandals."

Westgate's home address was searched and officers seized yellow paint together with a screwdriver covered in the substance.

The court heard it cost £200 to put right by Ipswich Borough Council.

When interviewed by police, Westgate claimed he found the tin of paint in a bin.

Ms Doggett said: "He said he was going to paint his back door but didn't know the colour because he didn't have his glasses.

"He said he never went to the premises [in Bell Close]."

Representing himself, tearful Westgate apologised and said he suffered from depression.

His wife had died of cancer last year and someone stole his German shepherd dog from London Road six months ago.

He told magistrates: "I just get rather drunk" and said people often make fun of him.

Bench chairman Peter Page, sitting at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Ipswich, ordered Westgate to pay £100 compensation to Ipswich Borough Council.

He told him: "You caused the damage. Now you have to pay for it. You are saying you are sorry for it and now you have to demonstrate you are sorry."