A man who smashed up the reception area of a council’s headquarters has spoken of his shame at reaching breaking point over a tax demand.

Builder David Keene, 53, from Snodland, had the bailiffs on his back when he lost control in the local authority’s offices, shouting “you can take it, have it all” before slamming his wallet and car keys on the front counter.

He then grabbed computer equipment and smashed it on the floor before pulling a glass panel off the wall of Tonbridge and Malling council’s Kings Hill offices.

The father of one, of Holborough Road, spoke of his regret after appearing in court, urging others to seek help before it gets too much.

Mr Keene was suffering from depression and had been out of full-time work for 18 months when he received a letter threatening legal action over unpaid council tax.

“Everything had been building up for 18 months and the letter was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I just blew my top" - David Keene

He had lost a temporary job three days before the incident when he travelled to the authority’s offices with the intention of discussing the overdue payments.

After a verbal outburst he was asked to leave but instead went berserk causing £500 of damage before being escorted off the premises and arrested.

Keene pleaded guilty to criminal damage and abusive behaviour. Maidstone magistrates gave him a 12-month conditional discharge and he must pay £100 in compensation and a £150 court charge.

Speaking after the hearing he said: “It was a moment of madness, I don’t know what came over me and a lot of it is a blur.

“Everything had been building up for 18 months and the letter was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I just blew my top.

“I went to the offices after phoning in advance and being refused a private meeting to discuss my financial situation.

“On the drive in I was already incredibly angry, my phone kept going off and I’d already received numerous PPI calls that morning.

"After being out of a job for a year and a half and repeatedly being told I needed more qualifications to get work I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall.

"I didn’t want to sign on as I have been brought up to look for work.

“I thought I was getting better but think the signs were there that I was reaching breaking point.

“Pride comes before a fall and anyone who find themselves in that situation should seek more help before its too late.”

Stories you might have missed

Body found - family of missing woman informed

Music teacher jailed after grooming young victims

Fire spreads through first floor of family home

Stolen phone had family photos of daughter's grave