A DRUNKEN man with mental health problems rained blows on vehicles outside a Southampton block of flats with a wooden cosh.

Shocked onlookers saw John Russell target cars and a motorcycle in Wavell Road, bringing down a foot long piece of wood from above his head to to smash wing mirrors and leaving a dent in the boot of a Vauxhall.

The city crown court heard that when one man confronted him, Russell brandished a knife before walking off.

On arrest, Russell admitted that on a drunkeness scale of one to ten, he put himself at least seven.

Russell, 28, of Macarthur Road, Bitterne, admitted criminal damage and possessing a bladed article – less than a month after he had been given supervision and drug rehabilitation requirement for burglary.

I gave you a chance then,”

said Judge Gary Burrell QC, jailing him for 18 months.

“Your committment has been poor, you have engaged with staff improperly and you are not motiviated.”