A TEENAGER who had been drinking lost his good name because he couldn't remember what had happened.

Blackburn magistrates heard Declan Taylor lashed out and smashed the rear window of a taxi because he thought he had lost his wallet.

He was arrested and told police he didn't know if he was responsible because he couldn't remember.

"If he had accopted he was guilty, which clearly he was, he would probably have been given a conditional caution," said Gareth Price, defending. "He was only being honest but he now has a criminal record."

Taylor, 19, of Fenwick Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to causing £200 worth of damage to a taxi belonging to Sajid Hussain. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £200 compensation and £85 costs.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said when Taylor got out of the taxi he couldn't find his wallet. Mr Hussain put the lights on and tried to help find it by Taylor became very angry.

"He kicked the door of the taxi, which didn't cause any damage, but then punched the rear window causing it to shatter," said Miss Allan.

Mr Price said his client appreciated the inconvenience caused to the taxi driver not just on the night but also being without his vehicle while it was being repaired.