A VANDAL who trashed a police car with his crutches after he flew into a rage because he could not find a toilet is today awaiting his punishment.

A VANDAL who trashed a police car with his crutches after he flew into a rage because he could not find a toilet is today awaiting his punishment.

Justin Long caused hundreds of pounds of damage and threatened two police officers in a “sustained” alcohol-fuelled fury.

The 36-year-old, of Croft Street, had been hobbling around on crutches in Ipswich town centre when he hinted to officers that he might go to the toilet in the street and asked them for a lift to a public convenience.

When the officers refused, Long launched an attack on their vehicle, smashing the windscreen and the emergency lights on the roof.

Long pleaded guilty to affray at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that the two officers had pulled over a suspected drink-driver in Fore Street just after midnight on September 21 when Long approached them.

He asked one of the officers what he would do if he excreted on the road. The officer told him that there was a public toilet around the corner.

Long demanded a lift, but when the officer told him he was busy, the defendant “flipped out” and started attacking the police car, in which the other officer was sitting.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said: “Long used his crutches to smash down on top of the car. He hit it with such force he managed to break a crutch in half.

“He repeatedly hit the roof and caused the windscreen to smash. He also smashed the roof lights. As the officer tried to leave the vehicle, Long hit the top of the car where the officer was sitting.”

Eventually the officer got away from Long by reversing the car and he was arrested.

Ms Small added: “Long said he was frustrated because he needed the toilet and couldn't find anywhere to go. He said his behaviour was totally unacceptable.”

Ian Duckworth, mitigating, said Long had a past drinking problem and added: “He was inebriated. It all seems a bit irrational.”

Chairman of the magistrates, Ted Draper, said: “This was a sustained and serious attack on a police vehicle and there appears to be no reason.”

Long was granted unconditional bail until a sentencing hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court on October 22.

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