A SALISBURY man who was abusive and threatening to supermarket staff has been given a 12-month community order and fined.

Benjamin Jordan-Venning, of Gainsborough Close, admitted making threats to Tesco workers, as well as criminal damage and a section 5 public order offence. He appeared at Salisbury magistrates’ court for sentencing on Thursday, December 10.

Prosecutor David Fosler said the store staff had felt threatened on November 27 of last year and the two victims, Sabrina Holloway and Fayez Rahman, had been at work at Tesco at the time.

He said Jordan-Venning had been sitting outside when Mr Rahman had asked him if he could move on following complaints from shoppers, to which Jordan-Venning replied “come on let’s have a fight” and followed him back to the store. The defendant’s foul language continued in the shop. He also made threats by saying “I will shank you” and “smash your head in”. He also said “I’m going to cut you just you wait”.

A statement from Ms Holloway said she had feared the defendant may carry out the threats.

On January 14, 2020, the court heard, the defendant had “smashed” a television at a hostel. The section 5 public order offence, which also happened on that day, related to foul language being directed at police officers.

Mark Jones, defending, said the 30-year-old had been left with neurological issues after being hit over the head with a claw hammer during an assault and also had issues sleeping for which he had to take sleeping tablets. Mr Jones said: “He was struggling to sleep at that stage and accepts he misused alcohol as a coping mechanism. He can’t remember anything about this and accepts he was drunk.” Jordan-Venning had gone into Tesco to apologise and had not been there since. Mr Jones said his client had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Jordan-Venning was sentenced on December 10 at Salisbury magistrates’ court to a 12-month community order for using threatening, abusive or insulting words/ behaviour and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. The court also ordered Jordan-Venning to pay a fine of £80, court costs of £40 and a victim surcharge of £90. He was fined £50 for the criminal damage but received no separate penalty for the section 5 offence.