A BINMAN attacked a chicken shop worker, pulling his beard and throwing water over him, after going drinking with friends.

Jack Smalley entered a guilty plea when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on March 17.

The victim had been working at Pepe's Piri Piri in Hereford's Commercial Street when Smalley walked in to the shop just after 1.30pm on February 13, prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said.

Smalley was asked to leave due to coronavirus rules, but instead started running around the shop before trying to get into the kitchen.

But while the victim tried to block Smalley from the staff only area, Smalley pulled his beard, threw water over him, and swore at him.

Police were called, and Smalley was found in Broad Street, where he was arrested.

In interview, he said he had been drunk and could not remember much. He said he would not have pulled another person's beard, but accepted when shown CCTV recordings that he must have done it.

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Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Smalley, said the 23-year-old binman apologised for his actions.

"It appears he had gone out with friends but had been spiked with some drug and could not remember everything," she said.

"He wants help with his drinking. He knows things could escalate and he does not want that to happen."

Smalley, who is currently resident at Hereford's Travelodge, was handed a 12-month community order and must complete a six-month alcohol treatment programme. He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation, costs of £135, and a £95 victim surcharge.