A Christmas Grinch threw a brick at the Range Rover belonging to a man he had known since childhood.

The brick was said to have bounced off the luxury 4x4 and struck the roof of a VW Golf during the incident, which took place in Carterton in the early hours of Christmas Day last year.

The tab was picked up by the victims’ insurers although the couple who owned the cars had to pay a total of £750 in excess fees.

Appearing before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon, Craig Mungall, 40, of Mallard Way, Witney, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage.

The court heard Mungall had known one victim – the owner of the Range Rover – since childhood, as they had lived near each other. 

Brid Eve, mitigating, asked the bench to adjourn for the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the probation service. Her client struggled with alcoholism and mental health, she said. Of the damage itself, Ms Eve said: “He’s very sorry for it.”

Mungall, who appeared in court in custody, was said to have been unaware of a previous court hearing – when a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to show-up.

He was bailed to return to the Speedwell Street courthouse on November 24 for sentence.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

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