A DELIVERY driver has been handed a restraining order after he stormed into the private offices of a van rental firm and assaulted members of staff.

Mr Firoz Buksh, 44, pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage at Bolton Magistrates' Court.

The defendant, who runs a shisha delivery service, admitted to "losing his temper" at U-Drive in Blackburn Road on January 31.

The court heard how Buksh was late returning his rental van and "exploded" when told he would have to pay a penalty fee.

Melanie Lever, director of U-Drive, said an enraged Buksh "completely lost his mind".

In a statement read to the court, Mrs Lever said the defendant went "berserk" and embarked on an abusive tirade, threatening her and a member of staff.

In an attempt to calm him down, Mrs Lever said she offered to reduce the fee by 50 per cent - to £40 - as a goodwill gesture.

"But he was in a rage and wouldn't calm down. He was being very aggressive and I was concerned for the welfare of my staff", she said.

According to Mrs Lever and employee Candy Knox, the defendant began hurling items around the reception area and smashed a photo frame on the floor.

The two women retreated to the back office for safety, but they were followed by Buksh, and the altercation escalated.

The women said they "feared for their lives" and accused Buksh of hitting them.

The defendant admitted unintentionally elbowing Mrs Lever, claiming she startled him from behind.

Michael James, defending, said his client admitted having a "short fuse", and had been attending therapy for anger management.

He told the court the defendant had been under "extreme stress" in the weeks prior to the altercation.

He said: "This incident was completely out of character for the defendant. He was grieving the loss of his father and he had been working long, unsocial hours to support his business.

"It was a stressful time for the defendant. He had been moving house and hadn't had much sleep, as he suffers from sleep apnoea.

"My client understands he overreacted and lost his temper. He has apologised for his behaviour and pleads guilty."

Magistrates fined Buksh £100 and gave him a six-month restraining order, preventing him from approaching Ms Knox's home address.

In addition, he must pay £85 in compensation to Mrs Lever and £75 to Ms Knox, plus £200 in court costs.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Lever said: "His behaviour was absolutely disgraceful. He left my wife terrified and shaken.

"He knew they were scared and he still threatened them.

"He 's very lucky to get off so lightly."