A STEVENSTON man smashed a fish tank and overturned a TV after forcing his way into a house on New Year’s Day, then assaulted a police officer.

Matthew Daniel Findlay appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and pled guilty to three charges referring to January 1. His pleas of not guilty to two other charges were accepted by the prosecutor.

At the time of the offences, Findlay, 23, was subject to an ASBO. Findlay, of Donaldson Avenue in Stevenston, wilfully or recklessly destroyedor damaged the property belonging to another at an address in Gateside Street, Largs.

He used bodily pressure to force open both the common close entry and the front door of the premises, which he damaged, entered and kicked a door, ransacked the property, smashed a fish tank and overturned a television set.

Findlay also assaulted a police constable in execution of his duty on the grassy area near the Brisbane House Hotel in Largs. He ran after the officer and thereafter lunged at him, striking his abdomen.

Findlay admitted to a third charge of breaching an ASBO which prohibited him from assaulting, threatening, verbally abusing, shouting, swearing or otherwise behaving in an aggressive manner towards any person in Largs or elsewhere.

The case was adjourned for the court to obtain reports and to carry out a drug assessment. Findlay was bailed and will return to the court in February for sentencing.