TWO youths went on a destructive rampage, smashing 78 car windows in Newport in three days.

Richard Conibeer, 18, of Liswerry Road, Newport, and Stewart Evans, 23, of Howard Close, Ringland, Newport, were yesterday sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court for their senseless campaign of damage across Newport.

Both admitted to conspiring to damage some, but not all the cars.

The court heard the pair drove across the city throwing ornamental gravel at parked cars, smashing windscreens and windows, causing more than £10,000 damage.

Areas hit included Maindee, Allt-yr-yn, High Cross and Baneswell.

Judge William Gaskell said the two had set out on a campaign of damage and added: "Why should the public put up with this sort of vandalism from you two?"

Conibeer was sent to a young offenders' institution for ten months. Evans was sentenced to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must also complete 250 hours unpaid work and a two-year supervision order. He was also ordered to pay £1,340 compensation.

Conibeer received a consecutive eight-month sentence for breaching a community rehabilitation order.

After several sightings of the white Rover coupe the defendants were driving, police eventually stopped the car in Caerau Road.

Conibeer, the court heard, had con-victions for 24 offences including robbery, burglary and theft.

Judge William Gaskell said he had shown little interest in obtaining employment and had "lived a life of idleness and crime."

Nicholas Fridd, for Conibeer said: "He committed the offences because he was suffering from boredom and he could not obtain work because he was dyslexic."

The court heard Evans suffered medical disabilities, was open to ridicule and was extremely vulnerable.

Stephen Thomas for Evans said: "He understands how serious are the cumulative effects of what he has done. He does not blame anyone else."

After the hearing, Sergeant Martyn Smith of Gwent Police said: "The scale of the damage was enormous and caused people extreme irritation and inconvenience. Such senseless behaviour causes misery."

He also praised PC Roy Williams and PC Steve Benton for their "dedication and commitment" in this case.