A HEALTH club member flew into a rage and accused the club's sales and marketing manager of lying, a court heard.

Stephen Thoms, who police are seeking an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) against, confronted Alistair Ruddick in the caf at Bannatynes Health Club, Chester-le-Street, North Durham magistrates heard yesterday.

Mr Thoms, 47, a cleaning supplies salesman, from Auckland, Chester-le-Street, spoke to Mr Ruddick about his silver Mercedes being scratched by another vehicle in the club's car park a few months earlier.

Mr Thoms is contesting the police's application for an Asbo. The court heard how Mr Thoms was also abusive to staff at Chester-le-Street District Council, which took him to court to reclaim council tax arrears.

Angela Crook, a senior recovery officer for the council, said in a statement that Mr Thoms sent several letters to the council accusing it of incompetence and in one telephone call he told her: "Your ignorance is contemptible. Take me to court you miserable individual."

Mr Thoms' solicitor Neil Connell said his client had been in discussions about the council's performance and had waited six months for a reply.

The hearing continues.