A Settle man had a ‘Damascene Moment’ after throwing a television set out of his flat into the street below, heard Skipton magistrates.

Johnathan Greenbank, in a fit of temper, threw the television, which then crashed through the canopy of the fish and chip shop below and onto the town’s Church Street.

Despite it being 11pm on October 5, there were a number of people about and the television narrowly missed a passer-by, the court heard on Friday.

Greenbank, 21, of Church Street, was in breach of a suspended prison sentence at the time for separate offences, including the breach of a non-molestation order banning him from approaching his father, the court was told.

In mitigation, Paul Fitzpatrick, said Greenbank, who admitted two charges of criminal damage, to the Fisherman Restaurant and to his Foundation Housing- owned flat, had been in danger of being evicted from his flat as a result.

He said Greenbank had argued with a former girlfriend on the night and had responded angrily by going home and throwing his television out of the window.

“He is disgusted with himself. Foundation Housing is in the process of evicting him. He has stopped drinking and appears to have had something of a Damascene event,” said Mr Fitzpatrick said Greenbank had been doing unpaid work at a charity shop and was hopeful that although he was unlikely to be able to remain at his current address, alternative accommodation would be found for him.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for reports and told Greenbank they would be looking at all options, including custody.