A MAN smashed the protective screen of a post office and “threatened to kill” a staff member after being asked for ID to cash a cheque.

Glenn Bryan McGuire, 38, of Christchurch Road, pleaded guilty to causing affray and criminal damage at Boscombe Precinct Post Office on August 12, 2020.

He appeared for sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Bournemouth Echo: Glenn McGuire

Prosecuting, Gary Venturi said: “The victim said the defendant tried to cash a postal cheque and she requested some ID.

“He pulled a hammer out, shouting ‘if you don’t give me my money, I will kill you’ and proceeded to smash the counter window about ten times. He hit another counter window and a customer was seen to flee in alarm.”

The court heard how McGuire was chased out the shop by Joshua Charlesworth when the defendant said, “if you don’t stop following me, I will kill you”.

Mr Venturi added that the female victim, the postmistress, was “just doing her job” and her 16-year-old daughter, who was in the shop at the time, was “terrified and shaking”.

Mitigating, Nick Robinson said the defendant was suffering a psychotic episode and since having his medication stabilised, he has been remorseful.

Mr Robinson said: “He lives by himself, he has no support, the support from probation will be something I am sure he will appreciate and benefit greatly from. He is very sorry to the victims.”

Judge Stephen Climie sentenced McGuire to ten months imprisonment for the affray and two months for the criminal damage, suspended for two years.

“The postmistress faced an especially frightening episode, you threatened her death when you were wielding a hammer,” Judge Climie said.

“What is clear is that since 2001 or thereabouts, your mental health issues have been properly managed with medication.

“Unfortunately, that medication was mis-prescribed or inadequate resulting in this behaviour.

“You threatened to kill the postmistress, she had her 16-year-old daughter on the site who was terrified and shaking by the end of this episode.

“The apology you have expressed must be forwarded to both the postmistress and Mr Charlesworth by the Crown and I expect to be informed that a full explanation has been provided to the nature of this episode.”

McGuire was also ordered to pay £150 compensation, carry out up to 40 rehabilitation requirement days and pay a victim surcharge.

Judge Climie added: “Commit another offence in the next two years you will be back before me, and I will give you the ten months and something on top.”