A SOLDIER has appeared in court accused of criminal damage at a Huddersfield nightspot.
John Thompson, a member of the Royal Artillery, was before Kirklees magistrates yesterday.
The alleged incident took place at the Revolution bar on Cross Church Street in the early hours of July 1.
Vanessa Schofield, prosecuting, said that 19-year-old Thompson was enjoying at night out with friends.
She said: “While stood at the bar he pulled down a picture which was internally lit and screwed to the wall.
“Glass fell and smashed and members of the public had to move out of the way.
“He picked up the frame off the floor and danced with it above his head.”
Thompson, of the Marne Barracks in Catterick, denies criminal damage.
He claims he found the frame on the floor and was only dancing with it.
Magistrates were told that the availability of one of the teenager’s friends would have to be considered for a trial.
They heard that the witness is currently on tour in Afghanistan.
The bench said the trial would take place in the Huddersfield court on September 26.
Thompson was granted unconditional bail.
