WINCHESTER man James Steele has narrowly avoided prison for criminal damage, resisting a policeman and defying a court order.

Steele, 25, of Granville Place, Wharf Hill, admitted criminal damage to the windows belonging to Stonham Housing Association between April 11-14, Basingstoke Magistrates Court heard.

He also pleaded guilty to destroying glass doors, valued at £216, belonging to Christopher Mabire on May 25, resisting PC Lark on May 26, contacting Amanda Stewart and Connor Stewart on May 23 when prohibited by a restraining order on May 23 and damaging a VW Passat in Water Lane belonging to Lucy Biggs on June 4.

To round it off he was drunk and disorderly in Romsey Road on June 27. The bench jailed him for 21 days but suspended the sentence for 12 months. It ordered he pay Ms Biggs £694.80 compensation.