Last updated at 16:08, Friday, 08 March 2013

A NIGHT at a budget hotel left a football fan with a bill for more than £600 after he became involved in a disturbance.

TRAVELODGE IN BARROW

Brendon Bernal-Soria admitted a charge of criminal damage when he appeared at Furness Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The 32-year-old, of Haydon Place in Guilford, also admitted charges of possession of cannabis and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour to cause fear of harassment or distress.

The charges relate to an incident at the Travelodge in Walney Road, Barrow, on February 20.

The court heard that Bernal-Soria and two other men had returned to the hotel just after midnight after watching the Barrow AFC versus Woking match the previous day.

Prosecuting, Mrs Lisa Hine said the defendant had become involved in an argument with the hotel’s night porter after they forced themselves through the hotel’s doors, which were locked.

Mrs Hine said: “He called Mr Currie (the porter) abusive names and also suggested to him that he might like to go outside and that they might like to have a fight.”

The court viewed CCTV footage of the incident, which showed the two men talking at reception. The defendant was seen to lean forwards and shout at Mr Currie, who then phoned the police.

While the porter was on the phone, Bernal-Soria pulled the phone’s base from its socket.

When police attended, they searched the defendant’s room and found a small quantity of cannabis.

Defending, Mr Andrew Gibson said the court had viewed the incident and he had little to add.

He said: “Mr Bernal-Soria said he could have walked away but he didn’t.”

The defendant was fined £145 for criminal damage, £255 for his behaviour and £75 for possession of a class-B drug.

A victim surcharge of £26, £85 costs and £34.99 compensation to Travelodge brought his total court bill to £620.99.

First published at 16:07, Friday, 08 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk