A DRUNKEN teacher went on a wrecking spree at a castle during a riotous stag night.

Thomas McMahon, 34, wreaked havoc at 13th-century Caverswall Castle before grappling with millionaire owner Robin MacDonald.

The primary school teacher, from Tyldesley, near Leigh, caused thousands of pounds' damage before he was eventually found 'dangling' out of his window in an 'incoherent' state by police. He now faces the sack and was ordered to pay almost £4,000 after his night of shame.

Magistrates heard how an 'extremely drunk' McMahon was first spotted by Mr MacDonald being lowered from a neighbouring hotel room into his Staffordshire castle's courtyard.

Mr MacDonald, who had been awoken by the commotion, said he shouted to McMahon as he was concerned for his safety.

But he was met with rude gestures by the stag group and called police.

McMahon, the best man, then trampled across the roof of his Vauxhall Vectra, causing £350 damage. His midnight rampage wasn't finished there.

McMahon, of Wardley Road, then 'stumbled and staggered' towards a Grade II-listed staircase leading up to the castle. On his way up he booted a stone boulder off the banister, sending it tumbling down the stairs.

Mr MacDonald came out of the castle to confront McMahon, and the pair tussled on the courtyard floor.

Sandra Whitehurst, prosecuting, told North Staffordshire magistrates: "McMahon came to him with both arms swinging to try to land a punch. Mr MacDonald had to take hold of him and it ended up in a scuffle."

Police, who arrived to find McMahon dangling out of his hotel window, described him as 'incoherent' on his arrest. He claimed he could not remember the incident because of the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

Andrew Bennett, defending, said: "He has no recollection and is aghast at what has taken place."

McMahon admitted two counts of criminal damage and one of common assault. He was ordered to pay £97 costs, £3,606 compensation for the damage and £75 compensation for the assault.

At home, he said he regretted his actions and was very worried he would lose his job.

Mr MacDonald, 37, who appeared in the M.E.N. after meeting his fiancée on the internet, slammed the teacher's behaviour. "It's no wonder the kids are as unruly as they are today if the teachers are setting this kind of impression," he said.

"I've never had an apology from him and I think he's only upset he got prosecuted. He came on to my property, and caused irreparable damage to a 16th-century staircase - a listed building in itself."