A MAN who went on a wrecking spree, jumping on parked cars and smashing windscreens has been locked up.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard after he was arrested, Terence Maughan produced a knife and tried to harm himself.

He later told police he wanted to go to prison and if they let him go he would do the same again.

Maughan, 20, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to seven charges of criminal damage and possession of a knife in public.

He was jailed for 17 weeks and ordered to pay £70 compensation to each of the car owners.

Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said around 8.30am on Thursday the police received numerous calls from residents in an area of Burnley.

"They all reported a man jumping up and down on cars," said Miss Kenyon.

"When the police arrived they found numerous vehicles with substantial damage."

Maughan was pointed out to the officers and arrested.

"On the way to the police station he produced a kitchen knife and started to make threats to harm himself," said Miss Kenyon.

"There was no suggestion the knife was brandished at the scene of the damage."

Miss Kenyon said several of the car owners had made statements explaining the hardship and inconvenience Maughan's actions would cause.

One described his American classic car as his "pride and joy" and said if he needed any parts they would probably have to be imported.

Jonathan Taylor, mitigating, said the only motivation for the offending had been to get sent to prison.

"He says everything in his life is falling apart," said Mr Taylor.

"He wants a divorce but can't afford it, he has nowhere to live and he has been ostracised by his family.

"He felt he had nothing to live for and was feeling extremely suicidal. In order to avoid that he feels prison is the safest place for him."

Mr Taylor said that when he produced the knife in the police car his intention was to harm himself and there were cuts to his hands and neck.

"These were the actions of a desperate young man," said Mr Taylor.