A MAN threatened to kill a sex worker after he “struggled to perform”.

Shaun Rowell paid a woman £60 for a 30-minute sex session but after his efforts were “unsuccessful” he demanded a refund from the “frightened” woman.

The 24-year-old was then told to leave the victim’s flat in Portsmouth Road, Sholing, but he later returned to the property pretending to be a police officer.

Prosecuting, Richard Martin told Southampton Crown Court that the former Hamble Community Sports College student wanted a £40 refund from the sex worker after he “struggled to perform” but after the victim refused and told him to leave, he returned two-hours later.

Mr Martin said the sex worker initially heard a knock at the door and she was unsure who was there.

Mr Martin added: “She did not know who it was, only it was a man who said he was from the police.

"When she opened the door halfway, the defendant forced the door and broke it.”

The court heard that when the woman realised it was Rowell, she ran into the bathroom and contacted the police.

Mr Martin said nearby residents heard Rowell shouting “give me my money” before the residents approached the defendant and forced him to leave.

While on the phone to the police, officers told the victim to try and find Rowell’s address so they could question him about the incident.

The victim then contacted Rowell who gave her the address before stating: “I’m going to kill you.”

Mitigating, Barry McElduff said his client had “acted disgracefully” but he was “deeply shameful and remorseful” of his actions.

In sentencing, His Honour Judge Peter Henry said: “This was a dangerous bit of behaviour and no way to act.

“Just because this is someone who works as a sex worker it does not give anyone the right to act like that.”

Rowell, of High Street, Eastleigh, was given a 12-month community order and will carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.