A MAN has been banned from all Lloyds banks across Southampton after he threatened “to hurt” a former family member.

David Hocking accused Sarah Armstrong, his ex-step daughter in-law, of costing him £100,000 following his divorce with his former wife.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that the 53-year-old went to the Bitterne Road branch of the bank to confront Ms Armstrong.

However, when he arrived Ms Armstrong wasn’t present so he spoke to the bank’s manager.

Sarah Lodge, prosecuting, told the court: “Hocking went into the Lloyds bank and was in drink.

“He told the manager that he was coming for her [Ms Armstrong] because she costs him £100,000 and that he wanted to hurt her and make her pay the money off.”

Ms Lodge added that the branch manager phoned the victim to warn her of what had happened and that as a result she was now escorted from the bank to her car.

Hocking, who represented himself, told the court that his divorce from his ex wife had cost him around £90,000 and that he had only 14 days to pay the money off.

The couple had previously been together 24 years.

No reason was given for the accusations of owing money.

As Ms Armstrong works at various branches of the bank across the city, a restraining order ensuring Hocking did not enter any branch was put in place to protect her.

Hocking, of Romsey Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to harassment and was given a 12-month conditional discharge. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge following the incident on November 24 last year.