A MONMOUTH man who drunkenly swore loudly and repeatedly at students in a Monnow Street coffee shop last month has been ordered by magistrates to pay a £100 fine and legal costs of £35.

Abergavenny magistrates heard last week how 31-year-old Will Henry Robertson, of Buchanan Close, had entered the Coffee No 1 shop on Monmouth high street looking for a fork but became abusive to other customers.

Robertson, pictured, pleaded guilty to the charge of using words and behaviour causing harassment, alarm and distress, and admitted he was drunk at the time of the offence on January 13.

Ruth Hale, prosecuting, said: "The defendant entered the Coffee No 1 shop, where a group of students were drinking coffee and talking. They say he asked for a fork to eat a salad he was holding with."

Mrs Hale then explained to the court how Robertson, after being told by the group that he might be able to get a fork elsewhere, had became abusive. She also read out a selection of offensive remarks attributed to Robertson at the time.

Mrs Hale added: "The girl was alarmed and felt really uncomfortable. The defendant continued swearing and another witness became involved, but the defendant threatened him and asked him to go outside and fight. "The group then left after the defendant continued to shout abuse and swear. The police then arrived."

Mrs Hale added that the police say Robertson was "clearly intoxicated" and that he continued shouting abuse at members of the public walking past while they arrested him.

Mrs Hale also added that Robertson has 24 previous convictions, 29 offences and four public order offences; including drinking in a public place and theft.

Robertson's defence solicitor, Andrea Nash said: "My client accepts the offence but says he has limited recollection of the incident as he was highly intoxicated.

"He is remorseful and fully co-operated with the police. He also explained to police that he was sorry and didn't intend to cause alarm, distress or fear when he entered the coffee shop."

Mrs Nash added that Robertson had been "out of trouble" since June 2005 and he asked for a chance to prove himself.