AN ex-serviceman suffering from a stress disorder smashed a towel dispenser at Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s mental health unit.

Kevin Owen Jones, 30, was a temporary patient at the Heddfan Unit at the time he flew into a rage with staff.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told North East Wales Magistrates Court: “He was throwing items of furniture, kicking doors and tipping over tables.

“It transpired as a result of this banging around that he damaged a towel dispenser.

"When he was arrested he was punching himself on his own head, but the officers managed to handcuff him.”

The Mold court heard that Jones had been on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and his solicitor Stephen Edwards revealed: “They were difficult challenging times for him and he experienced things that have stayed with him.

“He has drunk too much and when he does drink he binge drinks.”

Mr Edwards said Jones now had a Post Traumatic Street Disorder diagnosis and was receiving help having found accommodation at a specialist housing complex for ex-servicemen in Wrexham.

He added: “At the time of the incident his medication had been changed and he was unhappy and it ended up in him damaging the towel dispenser in his room.

“But he does wish to make recompense. He knows all about discipline from being in the army, he knows the difference between right and wrong and he wishes to apologise for his behaviour.”

Jones, of Ty Dewr, Bryn Estyn Road, Wrexham admitted criminal damage on November 20 as well as a failing to surrender charge.

Magistrates told him a previous conditional discharge he was in breach of should run on and they fined him £120.

Jones was also ordered to pay compensation of £50 and £88 court costs as well as a victim surcharge of £30.