A MAN from Abergele has been banned from Bangor and jailed after threatening to rape a woman in its cathedral and committing two thefts in the city.

Stephen Evans, 41, of Maes Canol, was sentenced to eight months and one week’s imprisonment, and a five-year ban from entering Bangor, at Mold Crown Court today (October 9).

He had previously admitted three counts of threatening behaviour, two charges of theft from a shop, and one charge each of breaching a criminal behaviour order and failing to surrender to police.

Prosecuting, Amy Edwards told the court that, on March 12, Evans entered Bangor Cathedral with another male, before he winked at a woman and told her: “Don’t mind us, we’re just praising the Lord.”

But after an argument broke out between them, during which Evans said: “Look at this Christian pushing me away in God’s house”, he told the woman to “drown herself”.

After she said she was contacting police, Evans thrusted his pelvis at her, and made threats of rape.

Evans left, and went to Burger King on High Street, where he shouted: “Oi, can you give me free food?” at a staff member.

He left, then came back, and said “I missed my f***ing bus because of you,” before slamming his hands on the counter.

Later that day, Evans stole a baseball cap from the nearby JD Sports shop.

The following day, Evans returned to the cathedral, where he made threats to cut a woman’s throat, leaving her feeling “genuinely scared”.

He was made subject to a criminal behaviour order on June 5, was released on bail on August 8, but failed to attend Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on September 2.

On September 3, at Marks & Spencer in Bangor, he told one member of staff to “f*** off”, and another: “You don’t have to watch me, I’m bigger than you.”

Evans also stole a can of a cocktail drink while there.

Defending Evans, who had 60 previous convictions for 136 offences, Richard Edwards said his client is “ashamed” of his behaviour, for which alcohol was the “catalyst”.

But Mr Edwards said Evans wants to “put his past behind him”, has used time remanded in custody constructively, and wants to return to working as an engineer upon his release.

Evans himself told Judge Nicola Jones that he is “truly sorry” during today’s hearing.

Judge Jones told him he had “clearly terrified” the woman to whom he made threats of rape in  “most detailed and specific fashion”.

He is only allowed in Bangor if passing through the city in a vehicle without stopping or on a train, or to visit Ysbyty Gwynedd for a pre-planned appointment or for emergency purposes.

“The people of Bangor need a break from you and your vile behaviour,” Judge Jones told him.