Telford drug addict shouted abuse at rehabilitation centre staff

Anthony Carl Hendriks had been ordered to leave Portico House in Wellington because of his behaviour, Telford magistrates were told.

The court heard that Hendriks had threatened to burn the place down with everyone in it and had insulted the skin colour of those working there.

Hendriks, 52, of Trench Road, Trench, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, using threatening words and behaviour and racially aggravated harassment.

Mr Mike Phillips, prosecuting said that police had been called to the centre after Hendriks gained entry through a door that had not locked.

Following his outburst, Hendriks pretended to faint but staff ignored him and he got up and left, said Mr Phillips.

After his arrest Hendriks was found to be in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

Mr Dean Easthope, for Hendriks, said his client was in a bad frame of mind at that moment and had been referred to the community mental health team.

He said the defendant's behaviour had been "born out of frustration" at the help he was receiving.

"This matter results from his drug addiction," said Mr Easthope, who added: "Unfortunately due to being banned by Portico House he's going to lose his script.

"He didn't mean anything about what he shouted. I think the police took that on board when they charged him with what they charged him with and nothing more serious," said Mr Easthope.

Hendriks had been "struggling with life" and was currently living in a flat that he believed was not fit for human habitation, said Mr Easthope.

Magistrates adjourned the case until September 14 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

The court was told the defendant was in breach of a conditional discharge from January 23 for dissimilar matters.