A PROLIFIC offender said to be 'turning his life around' has had most of his court debts wiped out by magistrates – despite kicking in a door panel and damaging a police cell.

Sean Carroll, aged 44, of Wyld's Lane, had run up a bill of £2,983 but on Thursday (May 31), when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester, they decided to erase three quarters of his debt.

Carroll, who has struggled with homelessness and drinking, appeared in court charged with two counts of criminal damage after being arrested topless in Wyld's Lane on May 17.

He had damaged a glass pane on Andrei Rusu's door in Wyld's Lane, causing £200 worth of damage.

He was then taken to Worcester Police Station where he threw his food and drink at his cell wall, causing £50 worth of damage as it needed to be cleaned before re-use.

But Sarah Brady, defending him, said there had been a turnaround in his life before this latest offence.

"It is remarkable, the change in Mr Carroll – six months with no offences," she said.

"This appears to be an isolated incident in that context.

"It is astonishing the change – it is a delight to see."

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said: "The occupant of the house has a very young child. They have been disturbed by the noise. He (Mr Rusu) goes outside to tell the male to quieten down. The defendant's response is to launch abuse at the occupant."

The court heard that the defendant then damaged the glass pane on the front door and so Mr Rusu called the police.

"The police arrive very quickly, and the defendant is topless," said Ms Ashton. "He had an injury to his right hand.

"He is interviewed by police. During that interview he fully accepts responsibility for the broken glass pane."

Offering Carroll the opportunity to expunge his debt, chairman of the magistrates Tim Morris said: "You need to show that time has been served. Sit in the court until 3pm. All the costs and victim surcharges will disappear.

"It is to give you an opportunity. We have put our necks on the block. You are clearly trying. There's a lot of people in your corner - on your side at the moment. Make the most of it."

Magistrates handed Carroll a 12-month conditional discharge. He was ordered to pay compensation of £200 to Mr Rusu and £50 to West Mercia Police.

The magistrates waived the court costs and victim surcharge.