A Mercedes driver has been caught slashing the tyre of a police speed camera van.

Charles Richards should have accounted for the camera inside the vehicle, which captured him pulling up in Brynmawr, south Wales, getting out to commit the vandalism and driving off.

The 38-year-old was soon identified by officers who arrested him and dragged him to court.

Richards was found guilty of criminal damage, fined £1,066 and ordered to pay £554 in compensation and costs at Cardiff Magistrates Court.

A spokesman for speed camera team GoSafe said: ‘At approximately 4.45pm on Sunday, April 9 2023, Richards was travelling along the A4106 near Porthcawl, when he pulled in front of a GoSafe van and came to a stop.

‘He exited his car on the dual carriageway and was seen walking towards the van with what appeared to be a yellow utility knife. He slashed the front tyre of the GoSafe van, before promptly returning to his car and driving away.

The bizarre moment was captured by a camera inside the police speed camera van

‘The incident was captured by high quality CCTV installed on the GoSafe vehicle and Mr Richards was identified.

‘On Saturday, April 22 2023, the 38-year-old was arrested and charged with causing criminal damage to a police vehicle.

‘Richards appeared in Cardiff Magistrates Court on Thursday, 11th May 2023. He was found guilty and made to pay a £1066 fine, a £426 victim surcharge, £85 court costs and £43 compensation.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

He should have accounted for the camera inside the vehicle, which caught him.