A JOBLESS man picked up an expensive television in an electrical shop and smashed it on the floor, Pickering magistrates heard.

Philip Walker broke the TV, worth £1,100, after shop owner Robin Wilkinson refused to buy back a remote controller before accusing him of being on drugs.

Walker, 22, of Ings Garth, Pickering, admitted criminal damage and was sentenced to 150 hours community service and ordered to pay £520 compensation.

Prosecutor Michael Sandiford told the court that Walker had bought a hi-fi system from Television House, in Pickering, but returned it because he needed the money.

"He returned it without the remote controller which had come with it," he added.

"Mr Wilkinson bought the hi-fi back off him and sold it on second hand to another customer.

"On October 11, Walker went back to the shop with the controller and tried to sell it back, but he was told because the hi-fi had already been sold the controller was useless."

The court was then told there was a heated argument between Walker and the shop owner which culminated in him threatening to "smash the store up".

Brian Jepson, representing Walker, said: "He has had a drugs problem and has struggled to get over this." he added.

Updated: 11:54 Wednesday, December 05, 2001