Drunk student hit out at Shropshire store worker
A supermarket worker was attacked as he tried to steer a drunk man away from customers, a court was told.
Student David Broome, 22, assaulted the man after being caught shoplifting in a Shropshire branch of Lidl.
Prosecuting, Miss Sara Beddow told Telford magistrates Broome had been "heavily intoxicated" when he entered the store on November 22. He was asked to leave but a member of staff then realised he had concealed a can of beer in his pocket.
When challenged and told to remain in the store Broome became increasingly aggressive. He then used his fists to "rain down blows" on the shop worker, hitting his head and chin, said Miss Beddow.
When the defendant began to move towards customers the victim tried to steer him away for their safety.
Broome escaped into the warehouse section of the store, in Hadley, Telford, setting off an alarm and then made off by jumping over a fence, the court was told.
After being arrested Broome, who has a two-year-old son, was placed in a police cell where he carved the initials DA on the wall using the zip of his jeans and causing £25 of damage.
Broome, of Redlands Road, Hadley, admitted assault, theft from a shop, and causing criminal damage. He also admitted being in breach of a conditional discharge.
Broome, who studies animal care at Walford and North Shropshire College,
was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order, which includes a six-month alcohol treatment programme. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to the victim, £25 to the police for damaging the cell and a £60 victim surcharge.
