A MAN grabbed a computer monitor from the reception desk in Nelson town hall, threw it to the floor and then stamped on it.

Blackburn magistrates heard homeless Junaid Nawaz believed the offence would get him sent back to prison and when he came out he would become a housing priority.

Nawaz, 22, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to damaging a £300 monitor belonging to Pendle Borough Council.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £300 compensation and £85 costs.

The court heard Nawaz went into the council offices asking to speak to a lady he had already had a meeting with about his housing needs.

As the receptionist was making a phone call he grabbed the monitor and threw it to the floor before stamping on it.

"He told staff that was criminal damage and they should call the police," said Tracy Yates, prosecuting.

Nawaz told the court he had no money, no family and no home.

"All I want is a job and somewhere to live," he told the court.