A COMPOUND at Blackburn College resembled a scene from a "demolition derby" after a 29-year-old man went on a wrecking spree in a mini-digger, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates were told that Philip McAlary caused about £8,000 worth of damage to building materials, doors and windows during the depression-driven rampage on Good Friday.

Kevin Preston, defending, told the court that McAlary was driving round for over an hour and was amazed that the police had not arrived on the scene earlier. He was driving around as though he was in a demolition derby, smashing everything in site and the alarm was sounding.

"He eventually had to ring the police himself to get arrested," said Mr Preston.

McAlary, 29, who was bailed to live at his brother's address in Albert Street, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and the case was adjourned until May 14 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Neil White, prosecuting, said the mini-digger, which was parked in a compound at the Victoria Building, had been started using a pair of nail scissors.

"It was then used to knock over several piles of bricks before being manoeuvred into several doors and windows causing extensive damage," said Mr White.

He said that when he spoke to police, McAlary told them he would carry on committing offences until he was "put away."

He told police he did not have the courage to commit suicide.

Mr Preston said that when he was charged and interviewed, McAlary had made it clear he had no intention of taking his own life.

"That was just something he said to make sure they arrived," said Mr Preston.

He said McAlary had been suffering from depression and on Friday, the day of the offence, had lost his flat.

He had gone to Pleasington Cemetery to visit his parents' grave and then went into Blackburn and started drinking.

"He had not been taking his medication and everything culminated in this bizarre behaviour," Mr Preston added.