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A TRACTOR driver threatened a Hereford shop worker and left his victim fearing for his safety.

Ashley White, 33, went into Wickes to buy some tools for his new farm job at Woofferton, Shropshire, but ended up making threats towards one of the staff.

He shouted, swore and told a member of staff he would "smash his face in", leaving the worker "shaken up", prosecutor Owen Beale said.

"I might as well plead guilty", said White at the hearing in Hereford in February as he admitted one count of using threatening words to cause harassment, alarm or distress. 

Handing White a 12-month conditional discharge and restraining order against the victim, magistrates said this was "very unpleasant behaviour".

"I don't even know the bloke", White said as the restraining order was put in place.

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Magistrates also told White to pay £50 in compensation to the victim and a £26 victim surcharge.

A probation officer said that last year, White had been homeless, but was at the time of his hearing being accommodated in a Travelodge Hotel.

He recently got a job as a tractor driver at a local farm.

He has a history of anti-social behaviour, the court heard, but has been cooperating with probation after previous convictions.