A 20-YEAR-OLD with 77 previous convictions assaulted a teenager and destroyed her mobile phone, magistrates heard.

Sean Robert O’Callaghan, 20, of Regent Street, Nelson, was under the influence of ‘some substance’ when he pushed the girl into a fence.

He then ran off and was later arrested and interviewed. He said he had been drinking and taking ‘bubble’ and didn't remember very much.

He told officers he had ‘lost it’. He knew he shouldn’t have done it, and apologised.

O’Callaghan admitted assault by beating and criminal damage. He was bailed to August 17 for a pre-sentence report.

The bench said they were thinking of a community order and supervision to look at his drugs and alcohol issues and his aggressive behaviour.

He was banned from contacting the victim.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said he accepted his record was absolutely appalling.

He had had a circle of friends who had a negative influence on him and had battled with alcohol.

The solicitor said: “The vast majority of his previous convictions appear to be linked with alcohol one way or another.”