A MAN with an “extensive” criminal record has been told to pay compensation to a receptionist he threatened over the phone.

Darren PJ Sutton was told by magistrates in Hereford to pay £100 to the victim, who was working on the reception desk at the probation service.

On December 23, Hereford Magistrates Court heard how “agitated” Sutton, of Prospect Walk in Hereford, had phoned the probation service.

Shafquat Reaz, prosecuting, said when the called was made on February 24, 2020, Sutton had asked to speak to certain members of staff but he was refused.

He then made “certain threats” and demanded to know the receptionist’s name. When she refused, he said: “It’s you I’m coming after”.

Mr Reaz said the threat was then repeated before Sutton, who he said had an “extensive record” was arrested by police.

Defence solicitor Emily Gourley said Sutton, 26, wanted to apologise to the court and the victim.

She said he was “making every effort to find employment”.

Sutton pleaded guilty to the one count of making a threatening and abusive phone call and was given a 12-month community order.

As part of the order, magistrates said Sutton must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirements days and 40 hours unpaid work.

He must also pay £200 costs, a £95 victim surcharge and £100 compensation to the victim.

Magistrates didn’t impose a separate penalty for an unrelated incident of criminal damage.

Sutton pleaded guilty to damaging a door at Hereford police station on May 8 where Mr Reaz said he was “agitated”.