Man Crashed Into Bank On Christmas Day Over 'Ruined Credit History'

A man in Australia said he crashed his ute into a bank on Christmas Day because it ruined his credit history. Watch him speak outside court here:

Police said Bryan James Spain wedged a metal object on the accelerator of his vehicle before fleeing on foot as it smashed into the glass front of a Westpac branch in Perth on Friday (25 December).

The ute didn't stop until it hit the back wall of the bank and Perth Magistrates Court was told yesterday (Sunday) that the damage bill is likely to be in the region of AU $120,000 (£67,300).

No one was in the building at the time of the crash.

According to ABC, Bryan told police he carried out the attack because 'Westpac ruined my credit history'.

However, outside court he later denied this, telling Nine News: "They didn't ruin my credit history, they've got a big cover-up going on."

9 News Perth

Bryan was released on bail and told to stay at least 50 metres away from all Westpac banks and ATMs before he returns to court on 19 February.

Speaking outside of court, Bryan said: "Merry Christmas Westpac."

Asked by a reporter if he would like to apologise for the damage, Bryan replied: "F*** no. I hate Westpac."

9 News Perth

Last year, a man admitted to driving a digger into a Travelodge after claiming he wasn't paid for work over the Christmas period.

John Manley, of St Aidan's Way, Netherton, UK, mowed through the hotel's entrance and drove up the steps, with glass doors and windows shattering as parts of the framework collapsed.

In total, he caused more than £443,000 ($598,000) worth of damage.

The dad-of-two was jailed for five years and four months.

Twitter/@joefblue

Defending, Brendan Carville said his client accepted that he did intend to cause damage to the property.

He said: "He's had problems and there was social problems which caused this offence, notably the failure of his immediate employers to pay him over the Christmas period, then asking him to work for nothing on the eve of this offence.

"He has two young children, your honour."

Judge David Aubrey QC said Manley was 'intent on maximum damage and intended to leave a trail of destruction'.

He added: "This grievance, or perceived grievance, in consequence of the fact you had not been paid your wages, may well have been the catalyst which led you on this day to erupt like a volcano."

Topics: World News, crime, Australia

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey