A SELF-CONFESSED alcoholic was instantly banned from a Powys supermarket after he racially abused a security guard.

Adrian Lloyd used racist and anti-Muslim language as he abused Ahmad Khan after being told to leave the Tesco store in Llandrindod Wells when he was found smoking in the baby changing room.

The 61-year-old then went to the petrol station, located on the same site, and threatened three more people before being arrested.

Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Lloyd was “embarrassed” by his behaviour.

The defendant originally appeared at court last month, when he admitted one charge of racially/religiously aggravated harassment. He also pled guilty to a second charge of using threatening behaviour towards Natalie Barnett, James Howells and Margaret Littlewood.

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Both incidents occurred at the Waterloo Road store on March 27.

James Ashton, prosecuting, said: “At Tesco he was reported to be smoking in the baby changing toilets and was asked to leave.

“He said he wanted to buy alcohol, but was told no and to leave. He was then allowed to buy some non-alcoholic products and sat outside, after which the police were called.

“He is heard shouting and swearing and Mr Khan, a security guard, goes over to him. The defendant places his face inches from his and tells him ‘Go back to your country you ******* Muslim.

“He is told he’s banned and to get out. He then walks over to the petrol station. Staff see him doing this and walk over.

“As he walks in he says to one staff member ‘What the ******* hell you looking at you ******* ****?’.

“A staff member comes over and tells him to leave. He puts up his middle finger and calls one female staff member a b****. He says ‘I’m coming back for you’.”

Mr Ashton said Lloyd has previous convictions but had not troubled the courts since 2021.

In a victim impact statement provided by Mr Khan, he said: “His comments caused a lot of hurt. I live and work in the UK just like him and should be treated no differently.”

Mr Ashton added that there would need to be an uplift in sentence due to the racial element of the original offence.

Acting for Lloyd, of Penybryn, Crossgates, Owain Jones said: “The cause of the offence was clearly alcohol.

“He doesn’t remember much but is oh so remorseful. He apologies, he’s embarrassed by his comments and behaviour.”

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Mr Jones added: “I concede that, in Tesco, some people were about, and there were two victims. They are worrying comments, but it’s not a very long period.”

He said his client has sought help from drug and alcohol charity Kaleidoscope.

Probation officer Jade Price added: “He has long-standing issues with abusing alcohol. I believe he can address this with an order but it’s up to him.”

After deliberating for a long time, magistrates decided to hand Lloyd an 18-month community order.

This is to include 35 rehabilitation days – uplifted for the racial offence. He was also told to pay each victim £57 compensation; he also has to pay a £180 fine and £85 costs.