A MAN smashed up his cell at HMP Berwyn because he was angered by a cut in his daily allowance.

James Sean Haden, 24, of Pendas Park, Penley, admitted four counts of criminal damage at the Wrexham prison on June 6, 8, 20 and 26.

Wrexham Magistrates Court heard Haden was fed up after his daily allowance was cut to 25 pence which meant he found it difficult paying for phone calls to relatives.

He smashed up cabinets and a desk and ripped up mattresses in his cell.

When he was moved to a segregation unit he also damaged observation panels and desks as well as a fire alarm, a metal drain cover and electrical sockets.

In all the total damage caused was at least £1,882

Christie Ankers-Phillips, defending, said Haden suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and was medicated for anxiety.

"A lack of contact with his mother and brother made him act out his frustrations by damaging his cells," she said.

"He said it was either that or self-harming.

"His daily allowance had been reduced and there was a lot of pressure on him, but he knows this is not how he should behave."

Magistrates imposed a 12-week sentence to be served concurrently with his existing sentence, but they ordered no compensation.