A HOTEL guest from Chester threw his key card at the receptionist in a fit of anger when he couldn’t access his room, a court heard.

Kevin Jones, 35, of Brook Street, also threatened to knock out one of her colleagues who tried to calm the situation.

Chester Magistrates Court heard he had been staying at the Holiday Inn on Botley Road, Southampton, on February 21 this year when the incident occurred.

Amie Poole, prosecuting, said Jones had been drinking and approached the reception desk after discovering he couldn’t get into his room.

“He was abusive and threw the key card at the receptionist,” she said.

“She sought assistance from a colleague and the defendant then threatened to jump over the reception desk and knock him out.”

Police were called to the scene whereupon Jones was promptly arrested. He was interviewed and later pleaded guilty to assault and using threatening behaviour.

“He admitted the offences,” Miss Poole told the court. “He said he had been drinking and threw the key card in frustration.”

It emerged that Jones has racked up a total of 35 previous convictions spanning 102 offences, including shoplifting, possession of drugs and battery.

Becky Hay, defending, said he had recently been living with his parents but had to move out when they downsized their property.

Magistrates warned Jones that he had avoided prison on this occasion but was on a “slippery slope”.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order to include a 7pm to 7am curfew for eight weeks, and up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

He must also pay £85 court costs and a victim surcharge of the same amount.