Telford man punched store security guard over 'flirting'
A man punched a supermarket security guard in the face because he believed he had been flirting with his girlfriend, a court heard.
Tobias Conway Graham soon realised he had misunderstood the situation and returned to apologise.
Mr Mike Phillips, prosecuting at Telford Magistrates Court, said Graham's attack had come out of the blue when he strode over to the guard at the Co-op store in Dawley, Telford, and punched him in the face.
Mr Phillips said that the victim had been working at the shop long enough to develop a relationship with several customers whom he would talk to as they entered and left.
He said that the guard had recognised Graham as he pulled up in his car at 6pm on March 17 but had been "completely shocked" when Graham accused him of "talking to my girl" and had had no chance to respond before he was punched.
Graham, 24, of Lancaster Court, Dawley, pleaded guilty to assault by beating when he appeared at court.
Mr Phillips said the guard had been treated in hospital for his injuries, which had yet to heal entirely.
Graham was given a 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £200 compensation, £85 prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
Mr Jamie Wade, for Graham, said the defendant's girlfriend had said she did not want to go to the shop as the guard's behaviour made her uncomfortable.
The defendant had then lost his temper, stormed out of the car and punched the man, but returned to apologise to the man after speaking again with his girlfriend.
Paul Kalita of the probation service said Graham did not seek to hide from his actions.
