Garage trashed after cashier refused to perform sex act on drunken man

A DRUNKEN man caused more than £5,000 worth of damage when he trashed a petrol station shop after asking the male cashier to perform a sex act on him.

City magistrates heard Terrance Powell went on a "rampage" and smashed the store's windows by hurling a brick, firewood and a Calor Gas bottle.

The 24-year-old, of Danygraig Road, Port Tennant, also repeatedly punched the shop worker before fleeing the scene.

Following his arrest he claimed the cashier had "come on to him" and said he "hated gays".

District Judge Richard Williams remanded Powell and told him he faced an immediate custodial sentence.

Lisa Jones, prosecuting, said the incident happened on March 9 at the Burrows Garage in Fabian Way, Port Tennant, and the victim was part-time employee David Warlow.

The court heard that at 11.10pm Powell wanted to buy cider at the store, but could not because it was after the time when the garage could legally sell alcohol.

Mrs Jones said Powell then asked Mr Warlow for a kiss and "grabbed his own genitals over his jeans". She said he went into the toilet and asked Mr Warlow to perform a sex act on him.

Magistrates heard that when other customers entered the shop Powell left, but later returned and made further sexual advances.

Mrs Jones said he then began to punch Mr Warlow "without warning". He pushed him against a display stand, causing goods to fall to the floor, before throwing a can of de-icer at him.

Mr Warlow managed to push him out of the premises, but Powell then kicked out at a window and hurled a brick through one.

"He was in a rage," said Mrs Jones. "He then picked up a Calor Gas bottle and threw that at another window and it landed in the garage.

"He picked up a bag of firewood and threw that at a window causing it to smash. He then left."

Mrs Jones said the damage was in excess of £5,000. Officers found Powell nearby. The court heard he clenched his fists towards police before shouting: "Come on then!"

After his arrest he told them: "I smashed the garage because that guy came on to me and I'm not bent." He then said: "I hate all gay boys, what's wrong with that?"

In interview, Powell admitted he had gone "crazy". He said he had been drinking that afternoon following an argument with his girlfriend and wanted to buy booze.

Powell denied making advances towards Mr Warlow and said he did not have a dislike for gay people.

He pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, common assault and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Judge Williams adjourned sentencing so more information could be sought on the total cost to the garage. Powell was remanded and will be dealt with on Monday.

julia.bosnyak@swwmedia.co.uk