STAFF at a Johnstone bank were left terrified after a customer issued chilling threats when they refused to give him his own money.

The snub led to 36-year-old Martin Brain losing the plot at a Bank of Scotland branch in the town centre.

Brain had taken his passport with him, as he did not have his bank card, and hoped that would be enough to convince staff to let him clean out his account.

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But his bid was refused, with employees telling him the most they could hand over was £50.

Brain then began shouting and swearing, resulting in that offer being increased to £100.

Unhappy with the compromise, he continued to swear and then threatened staff as he was asked to leave.

At Paisley Sheriff Court, Brain pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour at the bank on February 2 last year.

Procurator fiscal depute Pamela Flynn told Sheriff Tom McCartney the offence took place at about 3.45pm on the day in question.

She said: “The accused wanted to withdraw all the money from his account and produced his passport, advising he had lost his bank card.

“The bank teller told him he would be unable to withdraw the full amount as he did not have his bank card and would only be able to withdraw £50.

“He began to shout and swear, shouting ‘I want my f****** money.’”

The court was told the bank worker was “very upset” by what had happened and, after trying and failing to calm Brain down, went to get her manager.

Brain was told he would be allowed to lift £100 but that only sparked another foul-mouthed outburst.

He was asked to leave and, as he made his way outside, he warned: “Remember, you need to come out of here – and I will be waiting.”

The police were contacted and Brain was identified from CCTV footage and arrested later.
Defence solicitor Rhona Lynch told the court Brain, of Mannering Road, Paisley, was “deeply ashamed.”

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She said the incident took place at a time when he was dealing with the news that his mother, who has since passed away, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The lawyer added: “He recognises and accepts this was completely unacceptable.”

Sheriff McCartney called for background reports to be prepared ahead of sentencing and adjourned the case for that to be done.

Brain could be caged for as long as a year when he is sentenced next month.

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