A SECURITY officer at an Aldi store in Birkenhead was assaulted after he approached a customer who had been seen to place meat under his jacket, Wirral Magistrates were told.

Jason Anthony Smith, 37, of Patten Street, Birkenhead admitted assaulting Alpha Diakite at the store in Laird Street.

Mr Diakite sustained grazing, bruising and a small cut in the scuffle.

Smith also faced the court for failing to provide a specimen for analysis under the Road Traffic Act and not having insurance cover or a licence.

Police attended after the car he was driving collided with a central reservation at Birkenhead in the early hours.

Prosecutor Stephen McPeake said Smith was detained after being seen to be unsteady on his feet and to be smelling strongly of alcohol. At the Custody Suite he refused to supply a sample of breath.

Simon Simons, defending, said Smith accepted he had a drink problem which was at the root of his troubles and he needed help. He believed he was dealt with roughly by the security officer.

Magistrates told Smith he had well crossed the custody line but they agreed to suspended for two years a total of twelve weeks' imprisonment.

The court also made a two year supervision order to include attending an alcohol treatment programme.

Smith was banned from driving for five years. He had to pay £100 compensation to the assault victim and costs totalling £210.