RAILWAY staff locked themselves inside Hereford's station building when a drunken man became abusive, a court has heard.

Gregory Andrew Buchanan Duggan entered a guilty plea when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on January 12.

Prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said police were called to Hereford Station, where staff had locked themselves in an office over fears for their safety after Duggan became abusive, at around 7pm on December 23.

Officers spoke to Duggan and tried to put him into a police van to take him home, but he was arrested for his behaviour after he continued swearing, shouting, and making offensive comments in view of members of the public.

Speaking on his own behalf, Duggan said he had been having a bad year after finding himself stranded abroad earlier in the year.

"I have a history of alcohol problems," the 30-year-old said.

"I recently came back to Hereford and I am now dealing with my problems through support groups, paying for a psychiatrist, and getting medical help. It is embarrassing behaviour. It is not who I am normally, and I am trying to work on it.

"I want to apologise to the officers involved, who were trying to help me get back home, but my behaviour caused them to arrest me."

Duggan, of Turnberry Drive, Hereford, was fined £40. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.