AN unemployed man launched a volley of threats and abuse before smashing a window during an alcohol-fuelled outburst at a Worcester hostel.

Kevin Smith, of St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, flew into a rage on Saturday, May 1, when he discovered a new tenant had been given a single room, while he was left sharing with a drug addict.

He swore at staff and threatened to burn down the building before breaking a glass panel in a door, knocking over a tea trolley and smashing cups and saucers in a communal area.

"He said, 'Why the f**k have you given a single room to some foreigner?'" said Leslie Ashton, prosecuting.

"His behaviour continued for about half-an-hour and one member of staff locked themselves in an office and called the police.

"He was arrested and said to police, 'Come on then, let's have it, let's have a fight. It's only criminal damage'."

Smith, aged 28, pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal damage and one count of breaching an 18-month conditional discharge at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

Mark Lister, defending during Tuesday's hearing, said the incident had been "exacerbated by drink" and the damage caused was not serious.

"It was not the substantial damage he may have threatened," he said.

"He has already spent four days in custody and he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He wants this matter brought to a conclusion today."

Magistrates sentenced Smith to a two-year community rehabilitation order and ordered him to take anger management lessons.