A man threatened to rape a female police officer and 'bury her on the moors', a court heard.
Police were called after Steven Cooper abused staff at a bank then locked himself inside with them, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports. Staff at the Barclays in Leek alerted officers after he started smashing on the doors and windows.
Later, after he was arrested, Cooper became 'fixated' on a female officer who was dealing with him. He then tried to bite her, before threatening to attack her, the court was told.
READ MORE: Man appears in court accused of harassing woman
He said he would bury her on the moors because 'no-one would find her there'. Cooper avoided jail after his defence lawyer told the court he was acting 'out of character'.
Magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard police were called to Barclays Bank in Haywood Street at 9.45am. Prosecutor Emily Pybus said: "Police received reports that the defendant was banging on the windows and doors of Barclays Bank and been verbally abusive towards staff.
"He then locked himself inside the bank, preventing customers from entering and staff from leaving. Officers arrived and spoke to the defendant.
"He was advised to leave the area and not to return that day. Less than an hour later, a further call was received stating the defendant had returned to the bank.
"Officers attended and arrested the defendant for a breach of the peace."
Cooper was abusive towards police officers and members of the public. He made threats towards a particular female officer, telling her she should 'watch her back' because he knew who she was.
Miss Pybus said: "The defendant continued to make threats as he was transported to custody. He said he would tie the officer with cable ties, rape her and bury her on the moors because no one would find her there.
"He had to be restrained to prevent him causing any injury to the officer. He attempted to bite her on her exposed arm and also kicked out at officers.
"Another officer gave a statement which stated the defendant started to fixate on the female officer."
Cooper, of no fixed address but formerly of Sandon Street in Leek, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. The court heard he had four previous convictions for six offences.
This most recent incident, which took place on July 28, put him in breach of an existing conditional discharge imposed for offences of shoplifting and possession of a Class B drug.
Robert Holt, mitigating, said Cooper had been homeless for around six months and was 'deeply apologetic' for the way he had behaved. Mr Holt said: "There were particular difficulties with the defendant's personal circumstances.
"He had resorted to drinking and taking medication he was not prescribed. That's what led to him acting the way he did.
"He is genuinely remorseful for his behaviour. None of those threats were ever going to be carried out.
"This was out of character. He has no history of violence on his record. His behaviour on that day was rock bottom for him. He has now managed to engage with services to get assistance."
Magistrates handed Cooper an 18-month community order with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work. He must pay £50 compensation to the officer, plus £299 in court costs and charges.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Benjamin Mendy told woman 'you don't have to be scared' as he 'tried to rape her' after she showered at his home, jury hears
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirms he wants to buy Manchester United
- The young man with a love for the water lost to the Mersey on a first date
- Devastated mum of boy pulled from horror pub blaze speaks out as he fights for life
- Police called to Bolton as protesters storm town hall during Drag Queen event for children
