A MAN who smashed a van window claimed he had been given a cigarette which he believed had been "spiked" with something.

Blackburn magistrates heard Harry O'Neill could offer no other explanation for his actions.

O'Neill, 43, of Clarendon Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a van belonging to Great Places Housing.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Blackburn magistrates heard the caretaker at Bold House, which is owned by Great Places, had parked a company van outside and when he returned to the vehicle the driver's window had been smashed.

O'Neill was identified as being responsible from CCTV footage.

Ian Huggan, defending, said O'Reilly had been visiting a friend at Bold House.

"He smoked a cigarette which he believes had been spiked," said Mr Huggan.

"He accepts he damaged the van window and then went home feeling unwell."