A SHOPPING trip turned into a nightmare for a couple who were attacked by a 24-year-old who had drunk more than five cans of strong lager.

Lee Potts and Nicola Miller were attacked by Mark Bate, of Watkin Street, Fairfield, while shopping in Tesco Extra, on Winwick Road, on a Saturday afternoon on March 22.

Angela Blackmore, prosecuting, said: “Mr Potts was chatting when a male barged into his shoulder.

“He turned around and said “hey mate that was a bit harsh” the defendant replied “what’s your problem?”.

“He walked towards him aggressively with clenched fists and said “don’t you know who I am”.

“The victim told him he didn’t care who he was but he continued to be aggressive.”

After an initial scuffle that broke the gold chain around Mr Potts neck staff intervened and sent the victim to the customer service section to pay for his goods.

Bate was still being restrained by staff and continued to shout across the store.

Eventually he broke free and ran across and took a swing at Mr Potts.

Miss Miller, who was stood in front of her partner, fell to the floor in the fracas injuring her back and wrist.

Mr Potts brought Bate to the floor and hit him three times to stop him retaliating further.

In interview Bate said he had drunk five cans of beer and a few pints of lager too.

Halton Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday how he was also apologetic during the interview for his behaviour.

Bate was a man of previous good character said Tom Howard defending.

He added: “The circumstances of this offence are somewhat peculiar and largely out of character. He has expressed his remorse to me.

“He has suffered from the loss of his father and has had mental health issues he has treatment for.

“There is some hope for him in the future, he is hoping to do a catering course at college.”

Bate was ordered to complete a 12 month community order with supervision and a support for change course along with a 12 week curfew from 3pm to midnight.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and compensation of £150 along with a £60 victim surcharge.