A SCAFFOLDER attacked a shop worker at a mobile phone shop in Herefordshire, a court has heard.

Alexander McGrail admitted one count of common assault when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford in January.

The victim had been working in the Get Connected shop in Leominster when the assault took place on September 5, prosecutor Mark Hambling told the court.

Video footage showed McGrail confronting the victim, before a scuffle broke out.

The victim told police that he had fallen to the floor after McGrail had taken hold of him by the scruff of his neck and pushed him into the wall.

Mr Hambling said the victim was left with bruises on one of his arms and his back after the assault, which took place in front of customers at the shop.

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Kim Roberts, for McGrail, said it was an incredibly unfortunate incident.

The 41-year-old had gone to confront the victim after spending the evening before thinking about an incident that had occurred previously and his upset had turned to frustration and anger, Ms Roberts said.

"In hindsight, he says he should not have done what he did," Ms Roberts said.

"He said he reacted very poorly and he understands it was not a normal reaction."

The court heard McGrail, who owns a scaffolding company, has started attending weekly counselling.

McGrail, who is of Stanton Road in Ludlow, was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £135 and a £26 victim surcharge.

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