A 28-YEAR-OLD man has been sent for trial after denying ripping off a licence plate and scratching a van.

Martin Smith, from Eastcott Hill, in Swindon, allegedly damaged the Mercedes van on the High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, on July 8.

Vivian Thatcher, prosecuting, said: “The defendant came to the vehicle owner’s establishment and was very drunk.

“They let him use the toilets and when he left he punched a bus stop, though he didn’t damage it, then went behind the victim’s vehicle around the corner.

“When he returned and the vehicle was inspected, the licence plate had been ripped off and there was a scratch on the paintwork.”

Harriet Heard, defending, said: “The damage was not caused by the defendant.”

Smith was released on unconditional bail until his trial before magistrates at Chippenham on January 18, 2018.