Wigan man's car wrecking spree trial is postponed

A trial date has been set for a man who denies going on a car-wrecking spree.

Matthew Smith, 47, of Pepper Lane, Standish, faces eight charges of causing criminal damage to cars on March 22 in his home town.

Although the bill for one of the vehicles is not yet know, the overall cost for the victims has been estimated to be in excess of £5,000, Wigan magistrates heard. Damaged were a Ford Mondeo, Range Rover, Nissan Duke, Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot, Mercedes, Ford KA and a Vauxhall Astra.

Smith denied all charges when he appeared in the dock in March. Now that matters having been delayed due to the pandemic, justices have ordered that he returns to the court on August 26 for his trial. He is on unconditional bail until then.