A MAN was sent back to prison a day after his release after cracking a window at the probation office, a court heard.

Robert Butler, 39, of no fixed abode, became frustrated about his housing situation before throwing two chairs at a glass partition at Hereford Probation Services offices.

Butler pleaded guilty to criminal damage of a glass window and small panel belonging to Hereford Probation Service.

He also pleaded guilty to breaching a criminal behaviour order by shouting and swearing in a public place.

Sara Beddow, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday, said that on July 20 Butler had been sentenced to six weeks in prison after breaching an order and was released the previous day (Wednesday).

He went to the probation service office in Hereford who subsequently reported to the police that he was present and causing damage to their property.

Butler had became abusive to a member of staff when they asked him to leave.

"That member of staff was within a secure area behind a glass partition," said Miss Beddows.

"Butler shouted further abuse and punched the glass partition. He then threw two chairs at the partition area causing the glass to crack which will need to be replaced."

Further damage was caused to that adjacent fire door.

The incident caused distress to the staff member who feared for her safety due to his aggressive and threatening behaviour.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, mitigating, said that prior to going to custody Butler had been homeless for one year and had lived on the streets for some time.

"He went to the probation service as he was led to believe that accommodation would be found for him on his release," said Miss Di Vitantonio.

"The problem being he consumed alcohol on his way to the probation office. He was told that there was nowhere to live as nothing was being released so he would be back on the streets again.

"It's a vicious circle as he doesn't have accommodation so consumes alcohol to make the day go quicker but he does want to change."

Magistrates sent Butler back to custody and ordered him to complete eight weeks consecutively to his current sentence for breaching his criminal behaviour order and one week to run concurrently for criminal damage.

No costs or compensation was ordered but Butler was told to pay a £115 victim surcharge.