A MAN has been ordered to pay £200 compensation after he got "absolutely wasted" and headbutted a stranger.

A court heard, on January 20, Szymon Przybysz drunkenly headbutted a stranger in the face in Weymouth for no apparent reason.

Przybysz, aged 26 and of Norfolk Road, Weymouth admitted assault by beating at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 7.

Richard Oakley, prosecuting said at about 4.45pm Przybysz had followed victim, Gary Loveridge and his friend into Eats and Drinks convenience store in King Street.

Mr Loveridge said neither he nor his friend knew the defendant.

In the store, Przybysz approached Mr Loveridge and said something to him in Polish.

Mr Loveridge and his friend left the shop but were again followed by Przybysz who stepped in front of Mr Loveridge, blocking his path.

"Without warning, he headbutted [Mr Loveridge] in the nose, causing him to stumble backwards," Mr Oakley said.

The assault left the victim with a bleeding and throbbing nose.

Police located the defendant further down King Street a short time later thanks to a description given by a member of the public and he was arrested.

Mr Oakley said when questioned by police Przybysz said he was "drunk and unable to control himself" and "scored himself eight out of ten for drunkenness".

Patricia Sheehan, mitigating, said Przybysz had told police in interview that he was drunk and was sorry for what he did.

The court heard, Przybysz was shown CCTV footage of the assault and had been "horrified" by his actions.

Miss Sheehan said Przybysz suspected he had an argument with Mr Loveridge but could not remember headbutting him.

"He fully accepts he carried out the assault," she said. "He just got absolutely wasted - absolutely bladdered - and hit someone. It's inexcusable, he knows it is. He's a pleasant man who made a stupid mistake."

She added Przybysz worked part time in his parents' jewellery shop and did not have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

Chairman of the bench, John Young said: "We were shocked and horrified by what you did, as were you when you saw it on CCTV. The lesson here is when you drink, you tend to drink too much and get yourself into trouble. Our sympathy goes to the victim in this case who you do not know."

Przybysz was given a 12 month community order to carry out 15 rehabilitation activity days and complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr Loveridge plus £170 in surcharge and costs.