A DARWEN shopkeeper was subjected to a 'sustained and persistent' attack by a man complaining over a £5 top-up for an electricity card, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates branded Derek Robert Kilpatrick's behaviour 'disgraceful' and said they were horrified at the way he had treated a man serving the public in a way that had put other shoppers in fear.

Kilpatrick, 44, of Carr Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to threatening to destroy property belonging to Mazer Iqbal and assaulting him. He was made subject to a conditional discharge for 12 months, fined £250 and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £55 costs.

Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, said Kilpatrick went into the shop on Saturday July 5 and started shouting and swearing at Mr Iqbal. The shopkeeper eventually realised Kilpatrick was complaining about an electricity top-up card that his wife had brought in earlier with which there had been a problem.

Mr Iqbal tried to explain the difficulty he was having but Kilpatrick continued shouting and became aggressive.

"Mr Iqbal was afraid he was going to be attacked," said Mrs Chappell.

Robin Phoenix, defending, said his client deeply regretted his behaviour which was totally out of character.