A Carlisle man who assaulted an employee and a customer inside a city Spar shop has been ordered to pay compensation to both victims.
CCTV footage played at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today showed topless Michael Dean-Norman, 23, in an agitated state, waving his arms around inside the Hutton Way shop.
As numerous bystanders tries to calm him down, Dean-Norman became more erratic.
After almost knocking over a counter display and trying to pull over a till screen, he pushed a member of the public several times.
Dean-Norman then went behind the counter, approaching a staff member as he crouched down in distress, grabbing him by the jacket.
Dean-Norman, of Yewdale Road, was physically restrained by several public-spirited customers, dragged from the store and then arrested by police who attended the scene.
In an impact statement, the staff member grabbed by Dean-Norman spoke of being stressed, anxious and overwhelmed by the incident.
Dean-Norman initially denied two charges of assault by beating but later changed his pleas to guilty.
During today’s sentencing hearing, district judge Philip Holden observed that the defendant appeared to have had a mental health episode, and considered two background reports prepared by professionals.
The judge imposed a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation requirement through which it is envisaged Dean-Norman will receive assistance and guidance.
“The purpose of it is to help you,” district judge Holden told him.
Dean-Norman must pay £100 compensation to each of the two assault victims.
