Bank customer smashed machine after card 'swallowed'

A BANK customer was so frustrated when a cash machine swallowed his card that he dialled 999 and threw a brick at the screen.

Mark Britten was arrested for criminal damage to the Lloyds TSB machine in Browtowe Lane, Broxtowe Estate.

He had already tried two cash machines, in Nuthall Road and Bells Lane, when he got to the TSB and was denied cash again.

The 45-year-old, of Stockhill Lane, Basford, said: "I was incensed by it all. I wanted the police to shut the machine down so it would not happen to anyone else. And they said they were too busy... so I smashed it with a brick."

Britten, who is unable to work because of a stroke, set off the machine's alarm and then a security shutter came down.

"The police came with CS spray in their hands and extended batons and arrested me."

Britten was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to a 12-month community order. He must pay £200 towards the cost of the prosecution.

No order for compensation was made because the judge had insufficient information about the cost of a replacement machine.

Judge Michael Stokes QC told Britten: "These days, we can all get annoyed with bankers and banks. But it is not appropriate to put bricks through their machines. It not only inconveniences them but members of the public."

Police arrived within five minutes of Britten's call.

"He was clearly annoyed because other cash machines were empty," said Sarah Munro, prosecuting.

"I assume this was the final straw.

"He said in interview he would smash every bank machine in Browtowe."

Britten pleaded guilty to criminal damage at 3am on September 28.

The TSB machine was out of action for two months and the damage was estimated at £1,500 to £2,000.

After the judge was told it had to be replaced, Britten said: "So it was a faulty machine, your honour. The machine was no good." The judge replied: "It is now."

Martin Elwick, in mitigation, said Britten had a number of medical issues and was now on the right level of medication.

He has been in court before for criminal damage to the doors of a bingo hall.

rebecca.sherdley@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk