A MAN smashed up the same job centre twice in 10 days after it refused to pay him any benefits.

Jaques Faye caused more than £4,000 worth of damage in the spree when officials from the Department of Work and Pensions told him they were unable to give him any funds.

The 45-year-old lashed out, launching bricks at the Job Centre Plus on Bernard Street, Southampton.

It left the building with “significant damage” as the front door was broken, with glass from the windows spraying out on to the street.

Natalie Angel, prosecuting, told the court that despite causing approximately £4,600 worth of damage on one occasion, each time Faye contacted the police to say that he had vandalised the premises.

She said: “A member of the public from a nearby construction firm called the police on the morning of September 29 saying doors and windows had been smashed.

“The defendant then called them himself and admitted causing the damage.

“In a similar offence nine days earlier, in which Faye was given a conditional discharge, he vandalised the job centre again.”

Representing himself, Faye, who pleaded guilty to criminal damage and breaching a conditional discharge, said he had been made homeless as a result of not receiving any benefits, to which he believed he was entitled.

Faye added: “I’m sorry for having to put you in this position... I’m sorry.”

District Judge Peter Greenfield told Faye to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau rather than taking his anger out on the building.

Faye, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to pay £4,689.68 in compensation, as well as court costs of £85.

He must complete 80 hours’ unpaid work within 12 months.