POLICE used pepper spray three times on a drunken man who smashed his way into a Wisbech home, shattering panes of glass and forcing a lock.

Angry Wojciech Libich shouted at a police sergeant called to deal with the incident and had to be put in leg restraints after he head butted and dented a police van.

Libich caused more than �1,000 worth of damage during the incident, Fenland magistrates were told.

Libich, 31, of Church Mews, Wisbech, admitted two charges of criminal damage and one offence of using threatening behaviour towards the sergeant.

The incident began when Libich was locked out of a friend’s home in William Road at Wisbech, explained prosecutor Nicola Rice.

“He kicked the door, causing two panes of glass to smash,” said Ms Rice. “That force pushed the lock through, and he was able to gain access to the property.”

A police sergeant called to the incident used spray after being sworn at and giving a warning.

Ms Rice said: “The defendant continued to approach the officer with his fists high and swinging his arms around. He was sprayed three times because his behaviour did not abate.”

John Clarke, mitigating, said: “This was the drink speaking. He is extremely remorseful and does not drink at all now.”

Libich was ordered to perform 70 hours of unpaid work and pay �1,211.77 compensation.