A WOMAN threatened to break the legs of her tobacco supplier after he groped her, a court heard.

The 24-year-old, who cannot be identified, had called at Derrick Hubbard's home to pick up an order of tobacco when he lifted up her top, said David Bryson, prosecuting.

She told Darlington magistrates: "I told him to behave. In fact, I told him I was going to break his legs if he didn't leave me alone."

As he passed her the tobacco pouch, the 58-year-old again groped the woman before unlocking the door to let her leave.

She later told a friend what had happened and called the police.

Mr Bryson said the woman was in financial difficulties and had heard that Mr Hubbard, known as the "baccy man" could supply her with cheap tobacco.

He said that on three previous occasions between June and July last year, Mr Hubbard had called at the woman's house to deliver tobacco and take orders, and groped her each time without her consent.

Hubbard, of Langdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, who cares for his disabled wife, denies four counts of indecent assault.

Callum Terry, defending, asked the woman if she had consented to Mr Hubbard's advances, but she denied the suggestion.

The court heard that Mr Hubbard admitted to police that he had groped the woman but maintained that she had consented.

The hearing continues.