A CHEF from Old Town who broke a window at his restaurant whilst drunk on whiskey has been told to pay compensation.

John Robert Smith, of Dover Street, smashed the window at the Bank Brasserie in Wood Street after he feared he was being demoted.

Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday that Smith smashed the window on the night of August 11.

More than £300 of damage was done to the window. He also admitted common assault, after he threw a punch at a man, although the court heard that it “didn’t connect”.

Swindon Advertiser: John Smith. Photo: Facebook.John Smith. Photo: Facebook.

He had gone into work and drunk whiskey, whilst fearing he was being demoted from a chef to busboy.

The 41-year-old worried for his livelihood, duty solicitor Liz Highams said.

“All of that was contributing to his stress and he recognises he shouldn’t have done it,” she continued.

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Sentencing, magistrates ordered Smith to pay £308.99 in compensation to his now former employers, as well as £40 in prosecution costs.

This was reduced because he had already spent 12 hours in custody.

They added: “Just pay the fine and we wish you luck in finding another job.”