A DRUNKEN man woke neighbours ranting and raving in his native Polish, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard Damien Matisik picked up an estate agent’s ‘to let’ sign and attacked a car with it.

Matisik, 37, of Whitehall Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a car and possession of a knife in a public place.

He was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for 12 months with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and nine months alcohol treatment requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge by the court.

Nasima Patel, prosecuting, said one resident was woken by noise outside.

He looked outside and saw the defendant having a conversation with himself in Polish.

“He then picked up a ‘to let’ sign from a neighbour’s garden and used it to attack a car,” said Miss Patel.

“The car owner says the damage to the car would cost £1,000 and there is a £250 excess on the insurance.”

She said the knife was found in the defendant’s possession when he was arrested.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, his client had no recollection of the incident due to the amount he had drunk.

“He is very sorry and hasn’t had a drink since,” added Mr Taylor.