A stroppy man who threatened a support worker employed to look after him has been warned he faces jail if he continues to be violent.

District Judge Gerald Chalk issued the warning to 29-year-old Kraig Proudfoot after hearing about his latest offence – at his supported accommodation on Carlisle's Durdar Road.

It was his third court appearance for violence this year. At the city's magistrates' court, Proudfoot admitted common assault.

Prosecutor Pam Ward described how the defendant committed the offence shortly after 5pm on July 7 while support worker Philip Sage was working alone with Proudfoot at the supported accommodation.

Proudfoot was watching the TV in the living room.

Mr Sage had asked him to turn down the volume because it was too loud but Proudfoot's response was to become aggressive, said Mrs Ward.

“He used threats of violence,” said the prosecutor.

“He grabbed him [Mr Sage] by the arms and also moved his fist towards his face, putting him in fear of violence.

“Mr Sage felt trapped, and believed the defendant would hit him.” After the assault, said Mrs Ward, the support worker was anxious about going to work and not even sure he wanted to continue working at the supported accommodation.

He told police: “I'm not enjoying work. It's clear I'm not the same at home.

“I'm going home exhausted.” Margaret Payne, for Proudfoot, who has a learning disability, said he suggested the care worker was “stroppy” about the TV so he had got stroppy.

“He accepts he took hold of the support worker,” said the lawyer.

“He said that when he gets stroppy he doesn't always remember what he's doing. He was apologetic and remorseful. He appreciates this would have been very frightening for the support worker.”

District Judge Gerald Chalk explained he had three options: a fine, a community sentence, and prison.

He considered a community sentence, but no such sentence was available for the defendant so he imposed a fine. Judge Chalk added: “But you are in real danger if you come back.

"These are staff members who are trying to assist you. Threatening to use violence towards them is unacceptable. I've had this conversation with you before.

“If there's a fourth time, you'll go down those steps. It has to stop. You have to control your temper.” The judge imposed a £200 fine, £100 compensation for the victim, and £85 costs. He added: “You can't afford to come back before me.”