Claimant refused cash took Cannock job centre worker by throat
An unemployed man threatened staff at a job centre in Cannock after they refused to give him benefits, even grabbing one worker by the throat, a court heard.
Paul Dent from Bridgtown shouted: "I might get a bit rowdy if my money is not sorted out today" in front of customers and workers at the centre in Beecroft Road.
Dent claimed he acted in that way on April 26 because his benefit payments had been stopped.
Cannock Magistrates Court was told that he had now been banned from the centre.
Mr Dave Bell, prosecuting, told the court: "The incident took place at the job centre in Beecroft Road. The gentleman was there to sort his money out.
"He appeared to be a bit agitated. He started banging on the glass screens in front of customers. He took someone by the throat. There was a clash of heads as well."
When he was interviewed by the police, Dent fully admitted he behaved in an 'inappropriate way', according to Mr Bell.
Mr Steve Rudge, defending, told the court Dent was having problems with his benefits and had received no money for a month.
Mr Rudge said: "He has had problems with his benefits. He has had to go six weeks without any money."
Mr Rudge said the job centre had been informed by someone that Dent, aged 33, had landed a job in London and after that his benefits stopped.
He continued: "He had no money. He lives alone, pays rent, gas and electricity bills. He became annoyed and angry. You can understand his frustration.
"Yes he did swear and he behaved in an unacceptable way but there is no suggestion anyone was hurt. There was no damage caused and no weapon brandished. He has been barred from there now."
Mr Rudge told the court his client was seeking further advice over his financial problems.
Dent, of Watling Street, admitted using threatening and abusive behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence.
He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
