A recently-released prisoner smashed an Aberystwyth theatre company’s window telling police he did it so he could “go back to prison”, magistrates have heard.

Lindsay Colin Turner, 62, of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

Prosecutor Rhian Jones said Turner had used a rock to smash the window of Arad Goch just hours after he was released from prison on 19 August.

Ms Jones said Turner, who appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates in custody, had approached a staff member from the nearby Commodore Cinema who had gone out to see what had happened after hearing a loud smash.

Turner, of no fixed abode, told the worker that he had just come out of prison and had mental health problems and had smashed the window knowing that the police would arrest him.

Ms Jones said Turner went and sat down by Aberystwyth town library until police arrived and told them: “I know you’ve come to arrest me. I did it on purpose so I can go back to prison."

A representative from Arad Goch had told the police it was estimated it would cost £1,000 to repair the damage and said it had led to a relaunch for the theatre having to be put back.

They said the incident was “demoralising and distressing” and that members of the company couldn’t understand why a local company involved in the community would be “treated this way”.

Katy Hanson, defending Turner, said Turner had been released from prison, but that he had nowhere to stay despite a psychologist insisting he needed accommodation.

While the probation service said Turner had turned down offers of certain accommodation, Ms Hanson said Turner had thought he would be better off being returned to prison.

She said: “He felt he had no other options at all.”

However, presiding magistrate Brian Ashton said Turner had not considered the impact his actions would have on others.

He said: “This was a terrible thing you did. You might not think it is, but this has caused distress and anxiety to the theatre company.”

Turner was jailed for eight weeks, but will have to pay compensation to Arad Goch of £1,000 and court costs of £122.