A COLCHESTER criminal has topped 80 convictions after threatening to kill staff at Gala Bingo.

Notorious Mark Dooley, 50, admitted making threats against several members of staff at the Osborne Street venue and causing them to fear he would use violence against them.

Dooley, of Bird Lane , Tiptree made his latest appearance at Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday following the incident on July 7.

It was his third visit in the past two months and the third time he has avoided a jail sentence.

Sharon Hall, prosecuting, said: "At 1pm he was in the bus station and had some beer with him.

"He was asked to leave due to previous incidents and walked into Gala Bingo.

"He entered the main hall and sat down.

"He was approached by staff and he swore at staff including in front of elderly families and those with learning disabilities.

"Staff tried to get him to leave and he directed threats at them, threatening to kill them.

"He is eventually ushered away."

The offence was committed while on bail.

Dooley is already subject to a conditional discharge, which is a chance to avoid further punishment if a defendant stays out of trouble.

Dooley also has a community order, given to him on June 2, for being drunk and disorderly and assaulting a police officer in Magdalen Street, Colchester.

Despite the order being in place Dooley appeared at court again on July 21, for being drunk and disorderly and assaulting a police officer, this time on June 30 in Haddon Park, Colchester.

He has been given another chance to continue working with probation.

His offending is fuelled by alcohol.

Chairman of the bench Alix Mason said: "We take account of the very positive note you have had from probation.

"Fingers crossed but you have got a lot of work to do."

For offence 80 he received a £50 fine and a six month community order with six months alcohol treatment.

Mrs Mason told Dooley to "make use" of Open Road.

The court also left the taxpayer to pick up the cost of prosecution deciding not to make him pay the £85 costs because "you have got enough on your plate".