A MAN scrawled Nazi graffiti on his neighbour's car for no apparent reason.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Rigby wrote "Hitler" "SS" and drew a swastika on the vehicle using a marker pen.

Rigby, 48, of Edleston Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a VW Transporter and possession of cannabis and amphetamine. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £80 compensation and £34 victim surcharge.

Laura Peers, prosecuting, said the complainant was a neighbour and had spoken to Rigby in passing and there had never been any issues between them.

"He was aware there had been problems with other neighbours in the past," said Miss Peers.

The aggrieved had parked his car outside his house and the following morning saw the words and sign written on his car with a marker pen.

"He was able to wipe the writing off but he was concerned the matter might escalate," said Miss Peers. "When police contacted the defendant he admitted being responsible and said he had had a lot to drink. The drugs were found on him."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had mental health difficulties and was receiving medication for his problems.

"He frequently complains of voices in his head that are constantly persecuting him and accusing him of crimes he hasn't committed," said Mr Taylor.

"When the voices became too much he believed there was an element of persecution by his neighbours."

Mr Taylor said when his client was spoken to by the police he admitted writing things on his neighbour's car.

"Nobody saw him do it and if he hadn't admitted it nobody could have proved it," said Mr Taylor.