A MAN made himself homeless twice by committing criminal damage at the hostels where he was staying.

Blackburn magistrates heard on the second occasion Joseph Michael Bradley became frustrated during a surprise visit by a mental health worker and kicked his way out of the room damaging the door as he did.

Bradley, 28, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to damaging a door a the Gateway Hostel in Burnley. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £200 compensation and £20 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Bradley had been at the Gateway since October 29 after being thrown out of his last hostel for damaging a phone.

He attended a meeting with the early intervention officer but became frustrated and kicked the door, damaging the frame and the handle.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had significant mental health problems.

"The early intervention team came to visit him early in the morning and without warning," said Mr Price. "He was woken to attend the meeting and, with no time to prepare himself, felt he couldn't cope. "

Mr Price said Bradley had kicked his way out of the door.

"It wasn't his intention to cause the damage but he accepts he was reckless," said Mr Price. "The biggest loser if the defendant because he has now lost his accommodation."