A VANDAL repeatedly defaced cars in a random Pitsea street because he was “stressed at work” and “fed up of being tailgated in his car”.

Lee Brewer, 38, was caught drawing on cars in Church Park Road, after residents teamed up with local police officers to mount a stakeout.

When he arrived, he was chased down the street by residents, some wearing pyjamas and onesies, before being caught by PC Marek Jaworski.

The dramatic action came after residents got fed-up with someone drawing on their cars in marker pen.

They said it had happened every Sunday night for five months.

Brewer, of Burrs Way, Corringham.

admitted six counts of criminal damage when he appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

He was fined £167 and ordered to pay four residents a total of £300 compensation.

The court heard every Sunday evening, between December and May, someone was drawing black lines along the side of cars parked in Church Park Road.

Joe Hollins, prosecuting, told the court: “At first nobody knew what was going on.

“The damage caused meant residents had to use T-Cut to repair the damage.”

Residents got so frustrated they clubbed together to buy a CCTV system, which was streamed between their homes.

On the evening of April 27, PC Marek mounted a plain clothes patrol in the area surrounding Church Park Road, while residents watched the CCTV stream. As soon as they spotted Brewer, dressed in a light-coloured jacket, they gave chase.

He was quickly picked up by PC Marek’s team and during his arrest the black marker pen fell from his pocket.

Dee Kaur, defending, told the court Brewer could not explain why he started the campaign of vandalism or why he had targeted residents in Church Park Road.

She said: “He is thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour.

“When I asked him why he did it he said he was under a lot of stress at work and that he was doing three people’s jobs.

“He said he often leaves late and is a person who always sticks to the speed limit.

“He said he was frustrated with being tailgated as he drives in Basildon.”

There was no indication residents in Church Park Road had tailgated him.

In addition to the fine and compensation Brewer must pay £85 court costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the hearing victim Tracey Griffiths, of Church Park Road, said: “This man needed to realise what he was doing was wrong and it was causing upset to residents.

“The compensation is a nominal amount, but I am pleased we have been considered by the court service.

“I just hope this man has learned his lesson.”