A man who threatened an Ipswich street ranger because he thought he was the victim of a vendetta must pay the ranger compensation of £100.

David Lawson, of Mountbatten Court, Ipswich, pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to threatening behaviour.

The offence took place on February 18.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said the victim, David Cook, had first come across 41-year-old Lawson around Christmas time.

On the day of the offence Mr Cook had been walking through the town centre as Lawson was coming from the opposite direction.

The court heard Mr Cook looked up to see Lawson snarling at him and saying that he was sick of the street ranger following him around.

Lawson was then said to have sworn and threatened to assault Mr Cook, who took a step away.

Magistrates heard Mr Cook felt a kick to his leg and told Lawson not to kick him.

Lawson denied doing so and said the street ranger had tripped.

A member of the public witnessed the confrontation and the matter was reported to police.

In his police interview Lawson said he was walking with his mother at the time. He felt the street ranger was harassing him and following him around the town centre.

Ms Small said Lawson told an officer he felt Mr Cook had a vendetta against him and admitting to squaring up to the ranger.

However, he denied making physical contact, although he accepted he had used foul language.

Shelley Drew, mitigating, said Lawson was frustrated with what he perceives as harassment and victimisation by street rangers, police and security staff in the town.

She re-iterated Lawson denied any physical contact had been made with Mr Cook.

Mrs Drew said Lawson feels people try to goad him at times.

Magistrates fined Lawson £80 and ordered to pay compensation to Mr Cook.

In addition he must also pay £45 costs as well as £20 to the victims’ fund.