Broken legs threatened over $50,000 debt

An accused standover man threatened to break the legs of a middle-aged cafe owner over a perceived $50,000 debt following a business dispute, a court has heard.

Omar Succarieh allegedly used threats and intimidation to extort $10,000 from Vasilios Pippos, while acting as a "standover man" in March 2014, crown prosecutor Michael Lehane told the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday.

After paying the $10,000, Mr Pippos, who denies owing the money, told police he was being extorted and, following investigations, Succarieh was charged with extortion.

The money was allegedly part of a $50,000 debt Mr Pippos was said to owe a man called owed Yousef Masri following a business despite involving two fruit shops.

Succarieh is alleged to have threatened Mr Pippos several times during a 25-minute discussion.

"I was s*** scared," Mr Pippos said on Wednesday while giving evidence.

"It was either 'pay or we are going to take your shop over."

He said Succarieh gave him the option of paying $40,000 cash on the spot, or in installments.

Succarieh initially demanded $2,000 a week but eventually agreed to accept $1,000 weekly.

"If I missed a payment the debt was going to go back up to $50,000 and restart," Mr Pippos said.

"If I didn't pay, he'd come after me and break my legs."

The trial, which is expected to run for two days, continues before Judge Brian Devereaux.