A VICAR had to take a funeral service with facial injuries after being headbutted while walking his dog, a court heard.

Reverend Paul Smith was walking his 12 months old puppy in West Street, Leominster on July 18, when the unprovoked assault happened.

Paul Bray, 34, of Rainbow Street, Leominster, pleaded guilty to assault at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Sara Beddow, prosecuting, said that at 6.30am Rev Smith had stopped at a cash point on West Street. He put his card in the device and became aware of the defendant who forced him against a wall.

The victim managed to turn around with Bray backing off slightly and standing in front of him.

Rev Smith questioned him about what he had just done and Bray said something about him controlling his dog and being too rough.

Bray then leant forward and headbutted him straight in the face, the victim tried turning away but was caught causing his glasses to break and causing him to bleed.

The defendant was identified and when interviewed said he thought Rev Smith was being rough with his dog and he got annoyed about the thought of an animal being abused.

He said that he did regret his actions.

Rev Smith went to hospital and had four stitches to his injury and his glasses which cost £300 were totally destroyed.

"The victim said that the incident was a shame as he had to take a funeral looking the way he did with injuries to his face," said Miss Beddow.

"He said it caused him a bit of pain but there was no broken bones."

Chris Read, mitigating, said that Bray was walking his own dogs when he came across Rev Smith being somewhat rough.

"He remonstrated with the owner before walking away, but as he is leaving the situation Bray turns around and hears the dog owner shouting at the dog and yanking at it's lead," said Mr Read.

"Bray took exception as people who are animal lovers get very emotional. He goes to confront the owner and moved his head forward with no intention of making contact but the person turned his head to the side and connects with Bray's forehead which made contact with the side of his face."

Mr Read added that Bray was identified by an article of clothing that he was wearing, he accepted his actions and admitted that they weren't acceptable.

Magistrates handed Bray a conditional discharge for six months.

They also ordered him to pay £300 compensation for the broken glasses to Rev Smith and £100 for the injuries sustained along with £135 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.