Gambler smashed up bookies after losing €2 bet

A punter who smashed television sets in a bookmakers’ office, causing damage estimated at €17,835, in "several minutes of madness" after losing €2 on a bet has escaped with a suspended sentence.

John McCormac (aged 56), got a taxi home to collect a sledgehammer when he was barred from the bookmakers after abusing a staff member and returned to smash 27 television monitors.