Robert Tyrrell, the man who drove a farm vehicle into his own pub, has spoken publically for the first time since the dramatic events in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The 47-year-old wealthy farmer from The Green, Steventon, said he deeply regretted his actions.

He said he was determined to see through the repairs and restoration of the 17th century North Star pub and hoped to re-open it in August.

Robert Tyrell in front of his pub

He added: "What I did was stupid. We all do silly things at times. It was done on the spur of the moment because I was angry at the way I had been treated in my own pub. I have apologised to the people who were in the pub and to those who have been unable to visit the pub."

At Oxford Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to causing damage to the property and reckless behaviour endangering life. He had to pay £2,800 to people who were in the pub at the time, although none was hurt. He was also ordered to do 200 hours community service and pay £450 costs.

Mr Tyrrell said: "It has been a very traumatic time for me. I have been treated badly by some people, but others have stood by and supported me in my efforts to get the pub back on to its feet."

Mr Tyrrell said he lost a stone and-a-half since the incident and later court appearances but was now regaining weight and felt much better. He has thrown himself into the challenge of restoring the pub.