A MAN who threatened to shoot two street wardens before shouting homophobic abuse at pharmacy staff and walking into consultation rooms has been spared jail.

Richard Edward Wilson appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday to face five charges including a shop theft and two burglaries.

The court heard that Wilson stole a charity box belonging to the Royal British Legion on October 22 and a staff tip jar from a pub on October 16.

Mahmood Awan, prosecuting, said: “On the evening of September 29, around 6pm, two street wardens were patrolling the bus station in Stanley when the defendant approached them appearing intoxicated.

“Witnesses state that he became abusive and aggressive towards them, using language and making threats to shoot the wardens and at one point reaching into the small of his back as if reaching for something to follow through on that threat.

“On October 1 the defendant visited a pharmacy where he asked the female dispenser a number of personal questions about her love life. He told her ‘you’re a dyke aren’t you, I know you are a dyke’ then gestured towards her tattoos and said ‘you have to be a dyke with those tattoos'.

“She said she felt personally attacked by his behaviour and he was asked to leave.”

The court also heard that Wilson attended a different GP surgery on October 30 and became aggressive again after being told items he had selected were not free.

Mr Awan added: "He began making attempts to use the staff toilet and walked into various consultation rooms. He became extremely aggressive towards staff and it was apparent he was intoxicated.

"He was asked to leave at which point he shouted at the practise manager "you f*****g old c**t, you money grabbing b***h you should be retired," in the presence of staff and patients, including a seven-year-old boy who was very frightened and upset."

Wilson, of Gray Terrace, Stanley, pleaded guilty to two charges of using threatening and abusive words to cause harassment, alarm and distress, two charges of intending to cause harassment, two charges of burglary and one of theft.

Michael Clarke, mitigating, said: "I have known him since 1986 and I have seen him through the years as he has had issues with alcohol and drugs. He is clearly finding it extremely difficult to manage in the community on his own. without any support."

A report from probation added: "He is getting quite institutionalised now, he likes the structure of prison."

Chair of the bench, Alexander Nixon, sentenced Wilson to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months. He must also complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay £25 to two victims and £8 for the charity box and the staff tip jar.