Man banned from post office for intimidating woman staff member

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A HOLSWORTHY man has been banned from a post office after he told a member of staff he was "coming after her".

Shane Barrett, of North Road, appeared at North Devon Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and using threatening behaviour to a Samantha Hatter.

Lyndsey Baker, for the prosecution, told the court that police had been called by staff in Waitrose on January 8, after the defendant had been seen "on a rampage" in the store and shouting at staff.

When officers caught up with Barrett in town, he was described as drunk and had become aggressive and was subsequently arrested.

Seven days later, on January 15, Barrett had gone to the post office in the town to try and get some help with a benefit form.

When he was told the post office was unable to help – he became aggressive towards the member of staff who was serving him, Samantha Hatter.

He was banging on the desk and he told Ms Hatter, "if I lose my accommodation – it is your fault, I'm coming for you".

When arrested, police said he was extremely apologetic and realised he should not have acted the way he did.

Barrett has 41 previous convictions.

Tony Dart, for the defence, said Barrett had an issue with alcohol and on the day of the post office incident he had a drink of alcohol before he entered the premises – but he was not drunk.

He had been told by the council that he must submit a certain benefit form or he could lose his accommodation and had become frustrated that staff in the post office could not help.

The court heard Barrett has was now banned from the post office and is already banned from using certain bus services in the town and a number of pubs.

Barrett was given a community order with a 12-week curfew from 6pm to 6am.

For the drunk and disorderly charge he was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.