A SHOPPER was attacked by a stranger who followed him to a supermarket car park, a court has heard.

Steven John Tysoe, of Dimond Street East, Pembroke Dock, admitted assault before Haverfordwest magistrates last Tuesday.

The court heard that Michael Thomas was driving along London Road, Pembroke Dock, on January 20, when two people appeared and one staggered into the road forcing him to make an emergency stop.

He wound down his window and shouted at the men to be more careful, or they could get themselves killed, then drove to a local supermarket and started shopping.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, said: “The two men appeared to take umbrage and followed him into the car park.”

Mr Thomas was concerned the men may damage his car when he saw them standing near it, and Tysoe approached him aggressively when he went outside.

Mr Pritchard-Jones said: “Before the complainant could do anything, the defendant pulled back his fist and punched the victim in his face.”

Two women, who were with the men, tried to stop Tysoe, but he stepped forward and hit Mr Thomas again, leaving him with swelling and soreness.

Tysoe, 36, stated he could not recall what happened as he had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine.

Mr Pritchard-Jones added: “This man assaulted a totally innocent member of the public who was driving along minding his own business. He took the trouble to walk some distance to find this man before assaulting him.”

Stacey Holmes, defending, said: “He is very disappointed in himself and his actions. It was completely out of character for him and he is ashamed of what happened."

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order with 130 hours of unpaid work and ordered Tysoe to pay £100 compensation to Mr Thomas plus £85 costs and an £85 surcharge.

The chairman of the bench said: “This was an unpleasant, unprovoked and to a certain extent, pre-meditated attack.”