A HITCHHIKER who kicked a stone that smashed the windscreen of a passing vehicle on the A591 has been given a conditional discharge.

Mark Penny, 21, of Whinfield Road in Windermere had been trying to get a lift home following a night out in Kendal when the incident occurred at around 6.30am on May 31.

Penny, who was drunk at the time, pleaded guilty and apologised for the offence at South Lakeland Magistrates Court in Kendal this week.

He claimed it was an accident, adding: “I accept that I have done it and I want to pay the damages.”

Penny was ordered to pay court costs of £60 and £132.25 compensation to the driver.