A labourer arrested after a heated exchange at the Maidstone Hilton went on to smear bodily fluids on the walls of his police cell, which cost hundreds of pounds to clean, a court heard.

Aaron May had been visiting his then girlfriend at the hotel in Bearsted Road in January when the pair became embroiled in a row.

Worried staff alerted police and the 36-year-old, from Garner Drive in East Malling, was arrested and taken into custody, where he staged a dirty protest, Maidstone Magistrates’ Court was told.

During a hearing the Bellway Homes worker pleaded guilty to criminal damage and using threatening or abusive words.

Andrew Jones, prosecuting, told the court guests in the adjacent room had complained about the amount of noise.

He said: “Staff could also hear shouting and banging noises from the room and they could hear a male shouting aggressively.

“They called the police as they felt it was inappropriate to enter the room themselves.

“Officers attended and went to the room and found the defendant and his partner. She was taken to another location and was described as visibly distressed by police officers.”

Once May was arrested and taken into custody he removed black silicone from a light fitting and etched his initials into the side of the cell. He also smeared bodily fluids on the walls.

Mr Jones said it required a professional deep clean with an estimated cost of £300.

Jag Takk, defending, revealed May met his partner at 9pm on January 12 prior to going for a night out in town when the argument happened.

He said May caused the damage to the cell because he was frustrated at having to spend 21 hours in custody.

The father-of-two was fined £287 and ordered to pay Kent Police £300 in compensation. He must also pay £115 in court costs.