Cyclist slashed 2,000 car tyres

Carpenter was captured on CCTV

A cyclist who waged a one-man war against motorists has admitted slashing the tyres of 548 cars.

Ashley Carpenter, from Bournemouth, Dorset, was charged with slashing nearly 2,000 tyres in just 10 days.

Carpenter, 37, pleaded guilty to eight specimen charges of damaging the vehicles, while a further 540 were taken into consideration.

It was said he launched his campaign against motorists after being splashed when a car drove through a puddle.

£250,000 cost

Carpenter, of Walpole Road, Boscombe, who appeared at Dorset magistrates court on Wednesday, said he wanted to send a message out to drivers.

It is estimated his campaign caused damage put at £250,000.

Up to 2,000 car, lorry and van tyres were punctured in the Bournemouth and Christchurch areas in December 2003.

Carpenter was eventually caught puncturing car tyres in Christchurch by CCTV cameras.

He will be sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 16 April.