A 22-YEAR-OLD Darwen man who had just been dumped by his girlfriend took out his frustration on a parked car, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates heard that John Paul Whittingham's attack on the vehicle was witnessed by another girl who told the owner who, after a brief search, found Whittingham and detained him until the police arrived.

Whittingham, of Stafford Street, pleaded guilty to damaging a Ford Sierra belonging to Lesley Kerwin. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £155 compensation.

Charlotte Crane, prosecuting, said the car was parked in Snape Street, Darwen, and Whittingham was seen to kick the driver's door three times.

Stephen Parker, defending, said Whittingham's girlfriend had finished with him that evening.