A man has admitted in court to jumping up and down on a police car parked at a hospital in a “mindless” act of vandalism.

The vehicle was out of action at Medway Maritime Hospital in Windmill Road, Gillingham on Monday (April 22).

Officers were on duty inside when a man approached it and attempted to damage the front passenger door.

He then is alleged to have jumped up and down several times and caused significant damage to the car’s bonnet, windscreen and roof.

District Commander for Medway, Chief Inspector Garry Cook, said: “This was a mindless act of vandalism which caused a response vehicle to be out of commission which greatly impacts the service and members of the public who need a police response.

“Without patrol vehicles officers cannot attended incidents and lives can be put unnecessarily at risk and we will relentlessly pursue and deal with people who commit such acts.”

Stead Knapp, 28, of The Shoreway, St Mary’s Island, Chatham was arrested and later charged with criminal damage.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (April 24) where he pleaded guilty and was bailed. He is due to appear at the same court on August 5.