Mecca wrecker escapes the ‘big house’

A MAN who caused thousands of pounds of damage to Mecca Bingo and was caught pleasuring himself on CCTV has avoided prison.

Walter Cohla (53), of no fixed abode, was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years and a 12-month supervision order for three counts of arson at Mecca Bingo in King Street, Oldham.

Manchester Crown court heard yesterday that Cohla (53) was seen at the bingo hall in January, March and May last year and in November set fire to waste bins and did £6,000 worth of damage to a smoking area. Cohla was seen setting fire to fencing and bins and also pleasuring himself at the scene on his second visit. He was finally identified by a local PCSO after CCTV captured him a third time.

A psychiatric report revealed Cohla, who pleaded guilty, had mental health problems for 10 years.

Judge Ahmed Khokar said: “The explaination you gave is that you were disgruntled — that’s no excuse.

“I appreciate you have had a number of difficulties in your life.”