A MECHANIC who went on the rampage, smashing up three cars with a steel dog chain, has escaped an immediate spell behind bars.

Alan John Carl Bentley, of Danefield Road, smashed up one car so badly it was written off, while another was left un-drivable after the incident on May 22 this year.

However, the soon-to-be father was handed a reprieve by magistrates, who suspended his 18 week prison sentence for a period of 12 months.

The 27-year-old was originally listed to face trial at Warrington Magistrates Court on Monday, September 20, but pleaded guilty to three criminal damage charges before that took place, while another charge of possessing an offensive weapon was dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Amie Gouldson, prosecuting, told the court how Bentley began his wrecking spree at around 7pm on Greenbank Lane.

She said: "Alan Halford was sitting at home with his earphones in when he saw his son running through the house.

"He followed him to the front door where he then saw the defendant hitting it repeatedly with a long steel dog chain.

"Bentley then began to use the chain on Mr Halford's Ford Focus, smashing both the back and side windows.

"He also damaged the passenger door of the vehicle, and as a result meant it could no longer be driven."

Bentley then moved on to nearby Marshall Lane, where Judy Peck said she witnessed him arguing with his father, before he hit her Audi car with the chain on multiple occasions.

Ms Gouldson added: "He smashed the rear and front headlights, as well as causing damage to the passenger side mirror.

"He also damaged the bonnet of the car, causing Ms Peck's car to be written off, leaving her £1000 out of pocket.

"The defendant has 11 previous convictions for 42 offences, including previous for criminal damage."

Bentley, who was representing himself in court, wasn't finished there however as he also smashed the windows of a car belonging to Julie Halfpenny on Hatton Lane.

When asked by a legal advisor about why he had committed the offences, Bentley said he had very little recollection of the night in question due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

Lisa Phillips, from the Probation Service, told the bench that Bentley had been working with them since a two year community order was put in place in April this year.

She said: "He is described as being positive.

"He is in a relationship and is due to have a child shortly.

"His temper has obviously been an issue and we are working with him about managing his emotions appropriately."

Chair of Magistrates Lynn Colter-Howard told Bentley his record was 'horrendous' and that the bench had been 'appalled' by his behaviour, with the offences crossing the custody threshold.

She said: "We have heard you and your girlfriend are expecting.

"Your record is horrendous and we are all absolutely appalled by your behaviour and your record.

"I'm trying to keep you out of prison and try and encourage you to be a better citizen.

"However, if you commit any other offence during the period of this suspension, we will activate that sentence and you will go to prison.

Bentley was given a six week consecutive sentence for each of the three criminal damage charges, with the 18 week sentence suspended for 12 months.

He must also pay compensation of £60 to Alan Halford, £150 to Julie Halfpenny and £500 to Judy Peck.

The two year community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work, will remain in place, with Mrs Colter-Howard telling him he had 'very good reason' to work with probation.