Julian Glew, 45, who lives in a wood in Pocklington, slashed the tyres of 162 cars after the transgression.

He was jailed for 11 weeks by a judge at Beverley Magistrates’ Court after he lost control following the death of the bug.

District judge Fred Rutherford said: “I have noted the facts of this case, but I am still left here with someone who says he did not want to hurt anyone but went out of his way to affect 162 people by causing them massive financial inconvenience.

“He targeted vehicles randomly and slashed the tyres, that is not the actions of a person who lives for a peaceful co-existence.”

Mr Glew was meant to be sentenced last October but went on the run for three months instead. He pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage last September.

Joanne Markham, his solicitor, said he had mental health problems and added that accommodation had been found for him in a hostel but that it “didn’t work for him because of how he was used to living”.

Ms Markham said: “He has indicated that he feels he should go to prison for what he has done. He has no previous incidents on his record and he lives without means, not claiming any benefits.”