A TESCO shop worker has been awarded £100 compensation, after being assaulted as he tried to restrain two suspected shoplifters. Darren Webster was punched in the face by 19-year-old Robert Redford, and at one time believed he had suffered a broken nose.

A TESCO shop worker has been awarded £100 compensation, after being assaulted as he tried to restrain two suspected shoplifters.

Darren Webster was punched in the face by 19-year-old Robert Redford, and at one time believed he had suffered a broken nose.

Appearing at Ely courthouse on Thursday, Redford admitted the assault on April 13.

"It was the way he was treating the girl," he said. "I had had a few beers. It was the way he banged the girl against the bars, I could not stand there and watch that happen."

Prosecuting, Emma Dmitriev said Mr Webster was assisting with the detention to two suspected shoplifters when Redford took exception.

"He approached Mr Webster and told him to let go of one of the women," said Mrs Dmitriev.

When Mr Webster refused, Redford punched him in the face, leaving him with a bruised, grazed and swollen nose, she said.

Redford, of Orton Drive, Ely, has not been in the Angel Drove store since the incident.

Redford was given an 18-month community order with supervision, and told he must attend aggression replacement treatment.