A GUEST who drank 18 cans of alcohol at a family barbecue tried to start fights before falling over, York Magistrates' Court heard.

Timothy Norman Newall, 24, was asked to leave the Eggborough event at the home of his partner’s family because he was trying to pick fights with other guests, said Simon Ostler, prosecuting.

He left, but broke off a three-foot piece of a neighbour’s fence and returned shouting threats.

But he was so drunk he fell over. He then ran off as guests called the police.

Newall, of Low Cross Street, Knottingley, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the fence and using threatening words and behaviour, both committed on September 2.

He was fined £250 and ordered to pay a £30 statutory surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Representing himself in court, he said he had about 18 cans of alcohol which was not normal for him.

He said he regretted his actions and that he would apologise to the owner of the fence.