A Carnoustie man who attacked a car with a hammer was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 compensation at Arbroath Sheriff Court.
Michael Andrew Scott, 46, of Thomas Street, admitted that on October 23 at Sturrocks Scrap-yard at Balhungie Links in Barry, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by asking two men to identify another man’s car while he was carrying a hammer.
During his appearance on Tuesday, he admitted he then damaged another man’s vehicle with the hammer.
Defence agent Linda Sutherland said: “Scott found the hammer and picked it up in the yard.
“He has a great deal of contrition. While he has a history of offending, which has led him to custodial sentences in the past, a non-custodial sentence would allow him to pay compensation for the damaged vehicle.”
Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson said a figure for compensation had not been established with the owner of the T-reg Volkswagen Golf.
Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “This seems to be a premeditated act of vandalism but, having read the social work report, I think there is an alternative to custody.
“If you breach the order for 200 hours of unpaid work, you will be going to jail.”