RAYMOND Farthing admitted damaging a CCTV camera at Stroud police station while he was in custody, a court heard.

Farthing, aged 35 of Lakenheath Kingsway, Quedgeley, appeared at Stroud Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, September 22.

Prosecutor Sharon Green explained that Farthing was placed in a cell at the police station on Tuesday, July 27 for other matters.

"At around 3pm Farthing became quite aggressive and it seems that a wet sock was placed over the CCTV camera in his cell which caused the picture to go blurry," she said.

"He was also later seen to throw a punch towards the camera.

"Gloucestershire Constabulary had to call in a technician to get the camera fixed."

Defending, Lisa Ellis said Farthing had become aggressive because he was kept in the cell for 17 hours.

"He says he just lost his cool," said Ms Ellis.

Farthing was ordered to pay Gloucestershire Constabulary £74.03 - the cost of repairs to the camera.

He must also pay £85 costs.