AN Aberystwyth man who threatened to attack a shop worker has apologised and said his behaviour was “out of order”, magistrates have heard.

Joseph Brian Early, of 5 Windmill Court, Eastgate Street, admitted disorderly conduct with intent after he launched a tirade of abuse and threats at Spar staff member Joel Evans on 8 May.

Prosecutor Kevin Challinor said Mr Evans had been serving another customer while a colleague served Early, 38.

As the customer was walking away, Mr Evans asked if they wanted a receipt, but Early approached Mr Evans and asked if he had been asking him if he wanted a receipt.

When Mr Evans said he had been speaking to another customer, Mr Challinor said that Early became abusive and started shouting and swearing at Mr Evans before telling him that he would hit him.

Mr Evans called for help while Early threatened to assault him while swearing.

Mr Challinor said Mr Evans told the police that he had felt “frightened and shocked” and said that the incident had made him more cautious and wary of customers.

Early had been given a conditional discharge after admitting a charge of racially aggravated assault in August, but Mr Challinor said this offence pre-dated that sentence.

Iestyn Davies, defending Early, said Early wanted to apologise and had told him that “regardless of what I thought, it shouldn’t have happened”.

Mr Davies said the offence had happened within a day of the assault offence and said Early had been experiencing paranoia and thought comments were being directed at him when they weren’t.

He said that after seeking help, Early now felt much better and things had improved.

Early was fined £40 and will pay costs totalling £115.