A motorist was handed a six month suspended jail sentence and handed a £20,000 court bill after attacking a vehicle with a sledgehammer at his local Subaru dealership.

David Smith caused £15,000 worth of damage to a Subaru Impreza at Colin Appleyard Subaru on Lockwood Road, Folly Hall, near Huddersfield, after growing frustrated about issues he experienced with a car he bought from the site, the Huddersfield Examiner reported.

Leeds Crown Court heard that bi-polar disorder sufferer Smith returned to the dealership on June 28, over a month after his purchase of an Impreza, in relation to a fault which technicians could not identify.

Smith said that he wanted his money back but was told that the further inspection was required at which point he left the forecourt before returning with a sledgehammer to attack another car.

Louise Pryke, prosecuting, said that Smith then sat down and awaited the arrival of police.

He immediately admitted to his actions later pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage.

Laura McBride, mitigating on behalf of the 50-year-old, of Morefield Bank, Holmfirth, said that her client had expressed “genuine remorse” and was willing to pay back the £15,000 in damage caused to the Subaru.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, handed Smith a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to pay £5,000 compensation immediately and the rest at £1,000 a month.