Tony Peter Calabria had no memory of causing $1000 worth of damage to a poker machine

A Pooraka man has told a court he has no memory of causing more than $1000 worth of damage to a poker machine in a Salisbury pub.

Tony Peter Calabria says he had no memory of smashing up a poker machine. Picture: Facebook

A Pooraka man will be more than $2000 out of pocket for smashing up a poker machine at a Salisbury hotel before telling police he couldn’t remember doing it.

Tony Peter Calabria, 53, pleaded guilty in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Friday to one count of property damage.

The court heard Calabria was intoxicated when he caused more than $1000 worth of damage to a touch screen on July 1, 2019 at the Eureka Hotel.

Police prosecutor Carl Maynard said Calabria was seen with blood on his hand before leaving the premises

However, Calabria said he could not recall the incident.

“I can’t even remember the night,” Calabria said.

He told Magistrate Ben Sale he had been on his best behaviour since.

“You’re the man that runs the place. What you give I’ve got to cop on the chin,” he said.

“I think you’re a pretty good judge.

“It won’t happen again. I don’t get drunk anymore, since that day, I refuse to drink.

“I drink but I quit at two drinks.”

Tony Peter Calabria smashed a poker machine at the Eureka Tavern. Picture: Google Maps

Calabria said he also apologised to the manager of the hotel where he was banned for three months.

“There’s nothing else I could have done,” he said.

He said he had been into clubs since and no longer played the pokies.

When asked what he did for a living by Mr Sale, Calabria said he was currently living with his parents and chose not to work “ever again”.

“I drive nice cars, I own a lot of cars,” he said.

“My kids have grown up, I’ve done my bit as a father.

“I haven’t worked in 20 years, and have no plans to work again. I love my life and I take every day as a blessing.”

Mr Sale said the 53-year-old had left a mess for a hotel worker to clean up.

“That couldn’t have been a pleasant job,” Mr Sale said.

However, Calabria argued: “there wasn’t much blood”.

“Mr Calabria … it would have been one of the less pleasant things they’d have to do that day,” Mr Sale said.

Calabria received a conviction, was fined $300, will have to pay $1035 in damages to the poker machine and $681 in court costs and other charges.