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A MAN headbutted another man while he was walking through Worcester's Pitchcroft racecourse, magistrates have heard.

David Hancocks, 19, had been drinking at the racecourse with Andrew Ford, 18, when they spotted two men walking past.

The pair then attacked them when they refused their offer of a drink, Worcester Magistrates Court was told.

Hancocks, of Brooke Street, Dudley, was charged with battery by assault of Robert Gregory. Ford, of Bath Road, Worcester, was charged with battery by assault on Craig English.

Prosecuting, Baljinder Kaur said the incident happened on Tuesday, October 2, after Hancocks shouted at them asking if they wanted a drink and Mr Gregory replied no.

"Ford and Hancocks ran after English and Gregory," she said, adding that Mr English was then pushed in the back by Ford and grabbed.

She said they recognised the men from school.

Hancocks then headbutted Mr Gregory and punched him three times in the face.

An ambulance was called and Mr Gregory was treated for facial injuries which included bruising, swelling and grazes.

Mrs Kaur said: "When questioned by police, Hancocks admitting punching him twice but only after Gregory had been abusive to him. Ford said 'no comment' in interview."

At a hearing in February Hancocks was found guilty of headbutting Mr Gregory, but Ford was found not guilty of assaulting the same man.

Defending, Mark Sheward said said Ford accepted he followed Mr English, pushed him and held him by the collar, but did not assault Mr Gregory. Mr Sheward said Hancocks admitted punching Mr Gregory twice and although found guilty by magistrates in February, still maintains he did not headbutt him.

"He accepts responsibility but hopefully you will not see him before court again," he said.

Chairman of the magistrates Chris Bull said Ford had not made a sustained attack, and sentenced him to a 12-month community order, 50 hours of unpaid work and a total of £158.

Of Hancocks, Mr Bull said there were aggravating factors. He said: "You carried out a sustained attack on a person, causing injuries that required medical attention."

He was given 15 weeks custody, suspended for two years and 18 months supervision by the probation service.

Hancocks was also ordered to pay costs and compensation of £705.

2:40pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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