Last updated at 14:11, Tuesday, 17 April 2012

A DRUNK man attacked a security officer after he was asked to leave a Barrow supermarket.

Stuart Paul Helling punched Steven McClure in the face inside Tesco in Hindpool Road in the early hours of February 2.

Mr John Appleby, prosecuting, told Furness Magistrates’ Court Mr McClure had spotted Helling on CCTV after another member of staff had drawn his attention to the 29-year-old.

Suspicions were raised because Helling did not appear to be buying anything, was wandering around talking on a mobile phone and was heard shouting and swearing.

He left the store but returned around two minutes later. Mr Appleby said he was still talking on his phone and looked like he had been drinking.

Mr McClure approached Helling and asked him to leave the store.

Mr Appleby said Helling became aggressive and told Mr McClure “It’s always you” and “I bet you’ve got the cops behind you”.

Mr Appleby said Mr McClure remained calm but the defendant got in his face and swung at him, catching him under the left eye and causing a small cut. After a struggle, the police were called and Helling was arrested.

When interviewed by police, Helling, a father, said he had been drinking lager and whisky, and described himself as six or seven out of 10 on a scale of drunkenness.

He said he had a “very poor memory” of the incident.

Mr Steve Evans, defending, told the court: “One factor here that he believes is likely to have played a part is that he has not just picked on the security officer, but rather the defendant and victim are known to each other and don’t get on.

“He believes that’s more likely to have made him act in the way he did, rather than purely because he was being asked to leave.”

On the day of trial Helling, of Middle Hill, Barrow, admitted assault by beating.

He received a six-month community order, with the requirement to serve a three-month curfew between 7pm and 7am daily. He must pay £100 compensation and £400 costs.

First published at 13:09, Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk