CARLISLE: A  B&Q worker punched his locker in rage after being told he would lose his job – then ended up in court for criminal damage.

Paul Morrison, 22, pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared before the city magistrates. The court heard the incident happened after Mr Morrison arrived an hour late for a shift at the London Road DIY store was fired for poor time-keeping: he already had several warnings for arriving late for work.

Mr Morrison punched his locker several times causing £150 worth of damage. He told the court he was extremely sorry for losing his temper and said he had been angry at himself rather than anyone else.

Mr Morrison was ordered to pay B&Q £150 for the repairs, fined £66 and ordered to pay £85 court costs plus a £15 victim surcharge.