12:55pm UK, Thursday January 08, 2004

A struggling ex-convict hurled a bench through the window of a Lamborghini sportscar to get himself jailed again, a court has heard.

David Walker wandered drunk into the car park of a hotel before smashing the rear wing and mirror of the Countach, which had been owned by Formula One legend Niki Lauda.

Supercar: Countach

Torbay Magistrates Court was told that the 42-year-old had only left jail in Durham four days before his offence, by which time he had "had enough of life on the outside".

Ann Bellchambers, defending, told the court: "On the train heading south from Durham prison he lost his bag containing his working tools and addresses for accommodation and employment.

"He made his way to devon feeling depressed and suicidal. He did what he did to get back to prison where he felt he might get help."

Walker, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four months' prison, to begin when his original nine-month term ends.

The 180mph car will have to be sent to Italy for £9,000 worth of repair work to the wing, mirror and a scratch on the bonnet.

Its owner, 18-year-old Navin Patel, said: "I've been keeping the car at the hotel until I pass my test.

"It's an awesome car. It's one of the originals and with its history it's worth twice what you'd pay for a normal one."