A man who kicked and smashed up a bench in Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot, was caught by police and offered the chance to pay for the damage or face the consequences.

The 19-year-old opted to fork out for repair work on the seat, when the incident occurred on July 8.

'The alternative was for us to arrest him,' said PC Ian Reeves, based at Newton Abbot police station.

'Estimates are being obtained for the damage and the male will pay in full. 

I think the message needs to go out, to the younger audience, prior to the summer holidays, that should they commit criminal damage, then it could lead to them paying out of their own pockets and/or arrest and a criminal conviction.'