A DRUNK man from Derby caused a window on a moving train to "pop out like butter" while on his way home from visiting his former girlfriend's grave.
Ryan Pugh had been "drinking heavily" after an "emotional trip" to the cemetery where his former partner, Natalie Eadson, were buried, a court was told.
The 37-year-old and a friend were on the train between Matlock and Derby when Pugh "fell into" the window, causing it to fall out and on to the track in the Belper area.
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court heard that, although there was no disruption to train services, the window was destroyed and repairs cost £500.
Neil Hollett, prosecuting on behalf of the British Transport Police, said Pugh, of Edward Street, was recognised by officers after CCTV footage was analysed and he was arrested on July 7, two days later.
He pleaded guilty to criminal damage when he appeared before magistrates in Derby.
James Close, for Pugh, said: "On the day of the offence, the defendant had travelled with a friend to the grave of his former partner.
"The girl he was going out with, Natalie Eadson, died suddenly from liver failure.
"He was a long-term partner of hers and her death came as a great shock to him.
"He had gone to Wirksworth to visit her grave for the first time as he had been in prison.
"He went to the graveside. It was an emotional trip for him and afterwards he had a lot to drink before getting on the train to return to Derby."
Mr Close said his client could not remember how the window came to fall out.
He said: "His friend who was with him said the defendant fell into the window.
"It was not an intentional act – his friend said the window 'popped out like butter'.
"There was no intent but he accepts that he caused the damage.
"He [Pugh] needs to detox. He would welcome an alcohol treatment programme."
Magistrate Jon Watkin handed unemployed Pugh a 12-month community order with supervision, plus a six-month alcohol treatment programme. He also fined him £20 and ordered him to pay £300 compensation.
Mr Watkin said: "Your offence caused a significant amount of damage on a moving train that would have had other passengers on it and caused them a great deal of worry.
"The order I am giving you cannot be broken. If it is, then you know you are coming back to court for something far more serious."
