Shop worker hit with baseball cap

Staff at Dewsbury Poundworld had thought that John Lee, 24, was stealing from the store, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday.

Employee Julie Bushby followed him outside and confronted Lee, demanding to see what was in his bag. He refused, swearing at her and denying that he had taken them.

Julie Bushy then snatched at the bag, ripping it apart.

Several baseball caps fell out, which did not belong to the store, prompting Lee to lash out and hit her with one.

Prosecutor Alex Bosman said: “He forcefully struck her on the forehead and bridge of the nose.

“It hurt a lot albeit no permanent injury was recorded.”

The incident took place on Thursday August 14 outside the store in Market Place.

The court heard that Lee, a father, had been under the influence of alcohol and had a history of mental health problems.

He had claimed that he had not meant to make contact with Julie Bushby with the baseball cap.

Zahid Majeed was mitigating for Lee.

Lee, of Victoria Road, Thornhill Lees was sentenced to a nine month supervised community order with a six month alcohol treatment requirement.

He was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.