Drug addict threatened police

Dominic Ian Slater was said to be "under the influence of something". He swore at police and told them: "I'm going to smash you."

The town's magistrates were told Slater's mother had died a year before and a combination of sadness and alcohol left him unable to remember what he did.

Slater, 32, of no fixed address, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, on September 9. He was fined £40, with a £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Miss Charlotte Crane, prosecuting, said security staff were concerned and called police. The defendant was asked to leave, refused and continued to walk round. He refused a second time and then made a threat when asked the third time. She added: "The root of the offending behaviour appears to be drug- related."

Mr Nick Dearing, defending, said Slater had been "acting up". The solicitor added: "He knows he behaved in a disgraceful fashion."