A man who urinated in a police van after he was found lying in the middle of a busy road has received a one year community order.

Matthew Stammers left the police with an £80 cleaning bill after he relieved himself in the vehicle.

The 24-year-old pleaded guilty to causing the damage, and also to being drunk and disorderly, at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Prosecutor Rachael Laughland explained the crimes were committed after he was found in the middle of Loose Road, Maidstone, at around 11am on Saturday, June 20.

An off-duty police officer restrained him before his colleagues arrived and placed him in the vehicle.

Stammers, of Brewery Road in Sittingbourne, had suffered some injuries to his leg and back and was taken to Maidstone Hospital where he swore and shouted at people.

While in transit he also decided to use the marked police vehicle as a toilet.

Representing himself in court he said: “Basically, I am sorry.

“I don’t really drink anymore. I am not in the court every week and I used to be.

“I am starting to change my life around. It’s a silly mistake which I hope not to repeat.

“It was a football night and I started drinking. I don’t drink anymore.”

Pam Young, from the probation service, then told magistrates that Stammers would be best helped by a one year community order.

She added that this should come with a requirement of up to 30 days of some kind of rehabilitation activity.

Hilary Burdis , chair of the bench agreed and enforced this suggestion.

The defendant must also pay £85 costs, £80 in compensation to the police and a £150 criminal court charge.