Reports say it was 'HAZED'
Man bulldozes British pub after refused a drink
Damage tops $112,000
LONDON (AP) — The owner of a historic village pub pleaded guilty today to demolishing part of the building with a bulldozer, reportedly after staff refused to serve him a drink after hours.
Robert Tyrrell, 46, appeared at Oxford Crown Court accused of driving the bulldozer into the side of the 16th century North Star Inn in Steventon, 55 miles northwest of London, on New Year's Day.
He admitted one charge of causing criminal damage with reckless disregard for whether the lives of pub manager Peter Allday and others were endangered.
Tyrrell spoke only to confirm his name and his plea.
Judge Julian Hall ordered him to appear in court on April 11 for sentencing. He remains free on bail.
Photos showed the timbered building — described in a local guidebook as an outstanding, unspoiled "village local" — with collapsed roof and damaged walls.
News reports said it will cost up to $112,000 to repair the damage.