A STUDENT will not forget his first experience of tequila – after it landed him in court.
Abdul Aziz Barri said he had drunk the Mexican spirit for the first time on June 27 after finding out he had passed his degree.
Later in the night while he was out in Swansea city centre, he smashed three windows of three different city centre premises and assaulted a man – he did not remember any of the events.
Barri, aged 24, who is from Saudi Arabia, said he did not realise the drink, served as a shot, would have such an effect on him.
He was out in Wind Street in Swansea when he was spotted by bouncers after he threw a bottle at the Peppermint Lounge. No damage was caused but it meant he was drawn to the attention of CCTV operators who were watching him.
He was then seen going down towards Little Wind Street, towards John Morgan.
The force of his run and subsequent attack by Barri knocked him to the floor causing an injury to his right hand, prosecutor Linda Baker said.
He was then seen to kick a window of the Mamma Mia restaurant before going to the Cross Keys pub and damaging a glass window, and then the neighbouring Smith Llewelyn solicitors, and again kicking a third glass door pane.
Barri, of Monmouth House, Manheim Quay, Swansea, was arrested nearby.
In total he caused £100 damage to Mamma Mia's, £192 to the solicitors firm and £180 to the Cross Keys pub.
A probation officer read a report to city magistrates which had been prepared after an interview with Barri.
In it, probation officer Fred Matthews said Barri had recently graduated with a degree in Maritime Law and wanted to go on and study a masters.
He said Barri had little memory of the night but said because of his Islamic faith, he rarely drank but had made an exception on this night.
"It's such a small drink and he didn't realise how quickly it would take effect on him," said Mr Matthews.
Grayson Tanner, for Barri, said: "Alcohol undoubtedly was the major contributory factor to these offences. I am sure that if he hadn't consumed that extent of alcohol or any alcohol, he wouldn't be before the court today.
"He is ashamed of his behaviour," said Mr Tanner.
Magistrates ordered Barrii to pay full compensation to each of the premises and a £60 victim surcharge.
He was also made subject to a 12 month community order.
