A BUILDER destroyed a conservatory wall with a sledgehammer after a dispute erupted over payment on a £30,000 project.

George Gentles, 54, went on a wrecking spree after a double-glazing firm that had contracted him to carry out £4,100 worth of work refused to pay up.

Homeowner David Huggins, 67, had agreed a contract with conservatory specialists Everest but a series of building delays led to Gentles being hired by them to put in a foundation wall.

The work was completed but Gentles struggled to get Everest to hand over money for the work at the property in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire.

His own business was struggling for cash and he was relying on payment to pay wages and buy materials.

Letters, emails and phone calls were exchanged but when the money failed to appear he returned to the house and demolished the wall as Mr Huggins and his wife and son looked on.

Gentles, of Baillieston, Glasgow, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court where he admitted his wrecking spree of April last year. CCTV footage shows burly Gentles and a co-worker repeatedly striking the brickwork with hammers, leaving it in ruins after a half-hour-long demolition.

Vincent McGovern, defending, said Gentles was £7,000 in debt at the time and has since closed his company down. He added: “He believed he owned the materials until he was paid for them but he understands what he did was wrong.”

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre deferred sentence for reports, telling Gentles: “I will keep all options open at this stage.”

Mr Huggins was unavailable for comment. Gentles refused to comment.