A MAN branded "a stroppy, unreasonable pain" has been banned from entering any Tesco or Bargain Booze after making drunken threats at staff.

Eifion Jones, of Glan Y Morfa Court in High Street, Connah's Quay, appeared for sentence at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 66-year-old had been convicted at a previous hearing of numerous offences, including: 

  • Using threatening/abusive words or behaviour x 2
  • Assault by beating
  • Theft from shop
  • Breaching bail conditions
  • Being drunk and disorderly

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that on February 20 this year, Jones entered Bargain Booze in Connah's Quay.

He was banned from the store, and when staff recognised him they told him to leave, before calling the police.

Jones told the staff: "I don't f****** care, I'll do what I f****** want.

"Get off that f****** phone."

He left the store with two cans of beer, having made no payment.

He returned to the store and when told to leave again, he shouted "f*** off," threatening to spit at the manager and a witness.

The defendant followed through with the threat, spitting food he had been eating towards them.

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He also made threats to stab them.

On the same day, he went to Tesco in Shotton and was refused service for alcohol.

Jones shouted at an older man: "Just get me some cider," and was told in return: "You're nuts."

The defendant made threats to stab the male.

During the events of February 20, he assaulted a man named Alister Williams.

His drunk and disorderly behaviour occurred at The Gold Cape, Wrexham Street in Mold, on June 12, followed by the breach of bail conditions, which took place in Chester on July 3.

Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court: "The Mr Jones sat before you today is massively different to the man you have heard about.

"I am pleased to say he is trying to help himself at the current time.

"He's attending weekly AA meetings.

"He tells me he's getting 'a bit long in the tooth' for these offences and needs to nip them in the bud.

"He is more than aware of the predicament he is in.

"The last thing he wants is to end up in Berwyn at his age.

"His behaviour on the days in question was wholly inappropriate, for which he's remorseful."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "It's clear you're a totally different person when in drink - unreasonable, stroppy and a pain.

"You feel that staff should respect you, but you clearly have no respect for them.

"They're doing their job, trying to provide a valuable service. No staff member goes to work to be abused."

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Overall, the Judge handed down a 20 week custodial sentence for the six offences, but suspended it for 12 months.

The defendant must pay a total of £350 to the victims of his assault and threats, as well as £5 to Bargain Booze for the stolen beer and £600 in prosecution costs.

A four year restraining order was imposed to protect the staff members who had been the target of his threats and assault.

It also prohibits him from entering any Tesco or Bargain Booze store for the duration of the order.