A FATHER-OF-TWO flew into a “fit of rage” in a convenience store in Elton, damaging two cash tills and a lottery scratchcard stand.

Ross Anthony Craig Garner, 35, claims he suffered an “episode” at the Spar shop on March 19 this year and has no recollection of the incident.

Chester Magistrates Court heard he had begun suffering health issues after a drink-drive conviction in October last year led him to lose his job.

Garner, who is living at Weaver Crescent, Frodsham, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and was ordered to pay Spar compensation of £359.

He must also adhere to a curfew between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week for four weeks, and pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of the same amount.

Rob Youds, prosecuting, told the court a member of staff had noticed Garner being difficult with one of his colleagues in the store.

The defendant, who has 13 previous convictions for 24 offences, even “physically moved” another customer to one side in order to carry on his argument.

He was asked to leave, but then lost his temper and pushed the tills and lottery stand off the counter.

Becky Hay, defending, stressed her client had made full admissions and was currently living with his parents due to ill health.

“He has absolutely no recollection of the incident whatsoever,” she said. “He’d been to the pub but had only consumed one or two drinks.”

She said Garner has suffered an “episode” and a “fit of rage” and was “extremely ashamed and remorseful” of his actions.

His drink drive conviction last year had taken a heavy toll on him and he believed he had brought shame on his family.

“That’s when everything started to spiral and go downhill in terms of his health,” Miss Hay told the court.

“The man you see now is a shadow of the man he was two or three years ago. It’s a very sad situation.”