STAFF at a kennels near Kidderminster were terrified after a man brandishing an iron bar confronted them, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Schizophrenic Christopher Connolly flew into a rage after his pet was taken to the kennels by a Wyre Forest Council dog warden when it strayed.

He went to get the dog back but was told he had to pay a release fee. The stocky 30-year-old spat at the kennels' owner and lunged at two staff with an iron bar before calming down and leaving the Dunclent premises in a car driven by a woman.

Connolly, of Miller's Court, Mill Lane, Kidderminster, admitted affray and was given three years' probation.

Prosecutor James Dunstan said he had six previous convictions for violence which included wounding and assault on police.

His medical condition was now controlled by medication but Judge Michael Mott told him: "I hope the time never comes when you do something really serious. Unless you control your actions that may happen in the future."

He ordered the defendant not to change his address and to undergo any prescribed psychiatric treatment necessary.

The offence happened on May 9 last year. Mr Antonie Muller, defending, said it was the first time he had ever kept a dog and was aggrieved to find he couldn't have it back without paying. At the time of the offence he was suffering from schizophrenia and paranoid depression. He was monitored by a unit at Kidderminster Hospital. Mr Muller said he should not be a problem in the future if he kept taking his medication.