“GROSSLY offensive” notes were left at a pub and shop in Risca by a man who weeks earlier damaged cars while trying to cover his face with a cardboard box, a court heard.

But John Williams, 59, formerly of Brookland Road, Risca, failed to hide his bushy beard properly and was recognised on CCTV by a police officer. His DNA was found on disturbing notes he left at the scene after smashing a window of the Masons Arms, Mill Terrace on November 7 2012.

Caerphilly Magistrates Court heard written evidence from landlord Alan Hinchcliffe yesterday, the recipient of the content about castration, rape and which contained swear words.

Weeks later, on November 21, Williams pushed similar material through the door of Get Connected, where he had spoken to store manager Matthew Evans about buying a mobile phone.

Mr Evans said the customer was “highly erratic and eccentric” in earlier conversations they had, but was shocked to discover the notes. Some were found at his home when searched by police.

One read: “I am your castrator. Get used to it. Ha ha ha.”

Later that day, Williams entered the shop and Mr Evans asked if he was responsible. The victim said the defendant held his hands up to cover his face like a child and said he couldn’t remember as he had been drinking whisky. But then went off on a “tangent” about the content of the notes, which made Mr Evans sure he was the sender.

Earlier that month, Williams approached George Benjamin, the owner of Bradley Motors, Risca, saying he liked the colour of one of his cars.

When he turned up for work on November 5, Mr Benjamin found damage had been caused to a row of vehicles and Williams was later identifed as the culprit on CCTV.

In interviewWilliams said he produced material containing black humour, as part of meetings he held at his home about a mythical country Little Pakistan. He denied posting any of it to Get Connected.

Williams, now of Corporation Road, Cardiff, was found guilty in his absence of two counts of causing criminal damage and two of sending an offensive message.

District Judge Richard Williams, describing the messages as “grossly offensive,” issued a warrant for his arrest. He added that he was concerned about the defendant’s state of mind.