A man damaged several cars at a popular steam fair while he was drunk, a court heard.

Jay Price, also known as Jay Davey, of Brownlow Street in Weymouth, pleaded guilty at Weymouth Magistrates Court on March 21 to six counts of criminal damage to cars.

This relates to an incident on July 1, 2023, where six cars were damaged at the Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show.

The show is a popular family event held in the summer over two days at Moor Farm.

Robert Salame, prosecuting, told the court that on the day of the incident at around 8pm, an off-duty police sergeant who was attending the festival had been moving towards the exit gate of the show when he saw a spring land on the ground nearby.

Read more: Man arrested after cars damaged at Chickerell Steam Show

The sergeant recognised the spring as one from a window wiper. He turned and saw Price with both of his hands on a Land Rover's wiper attempting to pull it off with force.

Price, aged 31, was detained by event security and arrested once police officers arrived.

Magistrates heard the vehicles had all been damaged in the same manner, primarily to windscreens and the wipers.

Price said in a police interview that he was 'blackout drunk and didn't remember it.' He did not know any of the owners of the vehicles.

Price, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He was not represented in court and told magistrates: "I really did drink too much. I apologise for what I did and just want to say I am sorry, I acted out of character."

Chair of the magistrates' bench Graham Westbrook gave Price a conditional discharge and ordered him to pay compensation to each of the victims, totalling £892.70.

He told the defendant it was an 'expensive day out'.