A MAN has been sentenced to five months in prison after admitting threatening to petrol bomb a Brynamman shop.

Bobby Taylor, of no fixed abode, was in Siop Y Brynamman on January 12, when he attempted to buy a bottle of wine on credit.

The owner of the store refused to allow him to, which angered the 23-year-old.

After leaving, he returned with a packet of crisp and tried to exchange the crisp for the wine.

When he was again refused Taylor began shouting at the shopkeeper, telling him he would "petrol bomb" the shop.

Taylor, who had previously denied common assault and threats to cause criminal damage, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates' Court on Friday, where he admitted both charges.

Dominic Thomas-James, prosecuting, said: "Taylor entered the shop and asked for a bottle of wine on credit. He regularly asked for small items on credit which the victim had previously allowed.

"When he was told no, he felt aggrieved and became angry. He began shouting aggressively at the victim.

"He left the store and returned shouting at the victim again. The victim did not want tot tell him to calm down, fearing it would escalate the incident.

"Taylor left again and returned. He had a packet of crisp in hand and tried to pay for the wine with them.

"He threw them at the victim. He proceeded to push stands of food over in the shop, damaging many food items.

"The police were called and he followed the defendant towards the door to try and see him out. At the entrance the defendant squared up, shouting in his face, and threatening to petrol bomb the shop.

"It is the crown's case that the defendant then threw a punch. He could not recall if it had been connected with but later complained of soreness to the cheek and was visibly red."

Mitigating for Taylor, David Elvy said that he felt remorse for the victim, and would not have followed through with the threats.

Mr Elvy added: "The unfortunate thing about this case is up until this incident the relationship was a good one.

"The victim did give Taylor credit and he says he felt sorry for him and wanted to help him out, but on this occasion Taylor came in under the influence of alcohol and made a request that probably was not reasonable.

"He admits he lost his temper and threw a tantrum. He says he is sorry about his behaviour and acknowledges the victim had always been good to him in the past.

"He tells me that he has his personal difficulties and suffers from anxiety and depression. At the time of this incident there were concerns about alcohol as well. He tells me his period on remand has brought some benefits.

"A break from that life and some support has helped. He says he feels more like himself again.

"With regards to the restraining order it is regretful that he cant go back and apologise but it would not be appropriate.

"He tells me he is unlikely to go back to Brynamman and will most likely stay with family in Swansea."

Taylor had also previously admitted causing criminal damage, damaging food items worth between £50 and £80.

A fourth charge, of racially aggravated assault was dismissed after no evidence was offered.

He was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison.