Knowstone agricultural engineer threatened to shoot three people in Rackenford Club

AN agricultural engineer has admitted breaching a restraining order and causing harassment after telling three people in a bar "I have a shotgun in my truck. I will come in and shoot all three of you."

Richard Reed, 29, of April Cottage, Knowstone, pleaded guilty to breaching his restraining order for having contact with John Smith and also causing harassment, alarm and distress when he appeared before North Devon Magistrates' Court today.

Reed committed the offence on March 2 in The Rackenford Club in Rackenford.

Prosecutor Sean Tipton said the restraining order had been enforced in 2006 and on March 2 the defendant had breached two conditions.

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At 11.30pm he tried to join the conversation of Mr Smith, Edward Strong and Debroah Attrill, who later said they had distressed by Reed's outburst.

Mr Tipton said when Reed was ignored he then said: "I want more respect. I have a shotgun in my truck. I will come in and shoot all three of you. Would you listen to me then?"

The defendant was then asked to leave the bar.

Mr Tipton said at this point Reed said "This isn't over."

Tony Dart,  the solicitor for the defence, said his client had been taking medication for stress and anxiety and that may have affected his behaviour.

Mr Dart added: "This restraining order has been in place for seven years and there has been no problem for several years.

"On this night my client saw an old friend going into the bar after he had finished looking after his horse in livery at around 9.30pm.

"He followed him in to catch up and they chatted for about two hours until the friend left."

Mr Dart said it was then the problems arose and that his client knew what he had said was wrong.

Magistrates decided to defer sentencing to allow the probation service to carry out pre sentence reports.

The case has been adjourned until April 12.