A veteran has been fined after being caught urinating on a war memorial.

Former RAF serviceman Colin Smith, 47, was branded a "disgrace" by Joan Fenwick, the chairman of the magistrates' bench at Hartlepool court, during his hearing.

Smith admitted the incident, which happened earlier in February, telling the court he attempted to urinate as "discreetly as possible" after he was caught out when he needed the toilet on the way back from a night out.

"I toddled off home in desperate need of a wee basically, and unfortunately it’s been publicised about the lack of public toilet facilities in Hartlepool town centre.

"So I was unable to relieve myself. I often visit churches and war memorials because I like to be close to them.

"I decided, as peacefully and discreetly as possible, to have a wee. I will put my hands up to that in a peaceful and guilty way."

Lilian Atkinson, prosecuting, said Smith was "clearly drunk."

Magistrate Fenwick told Smith: "Of all the people, I wouldn’t have expected you to have done that. It was disgraceful."

Smith was fined £115 and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.