A thug who destroyed a busker’s guitar in a drunken rage has purchased a new instrument for his victim after being “mortified” by CCTV footage of his actions.

Wojciech Esharra, 32, grabbed 61-year-old Hugh Williams’s guitar and repeatedly smashed it against the ground on Saturday December 14 last year.

Mr Williams, 61, had been busking in Camden High Street, Camden Town, when Esharra snatched the instrument.

Esharra, of High Street, Luton, was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £360 after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage on Friday.

He arrived at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court with a brand new guitar worth £265, which he asked to be given to the victim.

A second charge of racially abusing Mr Williams was dismissed, with prosecutors offering no evidence.

Police said Esharra was extremely remorseful and said he had been so drunk he could not remember the incident, but that after viewing CCTV footage he accepted his guilt.

Pc Andrew Harris said: “After sobering up in a police cell, Mr Esharra was mortified and embarrassed when confronted with video evidence of his actions whilst under the influence of alcohol.

“Being drunk is not an excuse for any criminal behaviour, you will be dealt with robustly and held to account for your actions. Know your limits.”

Busking in Camden Town has been in the public eye recently, after Camden Council controversially decided to bring in licences for performers.