A man who had "not eaten for three days" found himself in court for smashing a glass screen in a bank.
William Sandcaster was charged with criminal damage after he picked up a vase and used it to break a glass security screen at a HSBC branch in Whitley Bay.
The 28-year-old, of Regent Street, Blyth, Northumberland, admitted the offence at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court.
Prosecutor Laura Lax said the damage was caused at the HSBC premises on August 12.
A staff member heard shouting and saw Sandcaster yelling at a colleague.
"The witness went over to mediate and calm the situation down," said Ms Lax. "The defendant was heard saying 'tell her to give us my card'.
"He was warned not to shout any further. He continued in the same manner and said 'give us my f****** card'.
"He picked up a vase and smashed it, then threw it at a security glass."
Ms Lax said £936 worth of damage was caused and the branch had to be closed that day, which meant customers were unable to carry out their banking at the site.
John Monkhouse, representing Sandcaster, told the court the defendant had gone to HSBC to ask for a bank card so he could withdraw cash.
His card had previously been taken away by police in connection with a separate issue.
He had no access to cash and had not eaten in three days.
Mr Monkhouse added: "He accepts his full guilt in connection with this.
"Police had taken his property, including his bank card. He had been to the police to ask for the return of his bank card. He needed to get money out of his bank, his own account.
"He had not eaten for three days. He was desperate to buy some food.
"He went to the bank to get a replacement card or get money out of his balance. It was not their fault, they can't immediately just produce a card.
"He picked a vase up and threw it at a screen. It broke and needed to be replaced.
"Two days later, the police returned his bank card."
It was said Sandcaster had been homeless for months but had recently found accommodation in Blyth.
"After three days, he was starving. He got fed in the police station following his arrest."
Magistrates gave Sandcaster a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £936 in compensation.
