Buxton man hit shop worker in the face with a can after being told to leave Waitrose

After James Hudson, 48, had been summoned to court for the assault he later returned to the store while angry about his impending prosecution and called him a “wimp” while using a homophobic slur.

Derby Crown Court heard how on August 8, 2023, when Hudson was asked to leave Waitrose by the victim he told him “you better watch yourself when you leave work”.

A prosecutor described how three days later he approached the victim, who was leaving work, and followed him while mouthing a “torrent of abuse”.

He then stepped back and hit the victim “full force” with a “pint”-sized can of liquid in his hand, causing a cut to the frightened worker’s lower lip and chin.

Hudson then made a call on his phone, saying into it “I’ve got this lad that needs sorting out, I’ll give you £5,000 to come and shoot him”.

The defendant then left the scene, however he returned to Waitrose days later after his summons to court and hurled verbal abuse at the victim

Hudson had seven previous convictions for 18 offences including battery, assault with actual bodily harm and criminal damage and was jailed for six years in 2013, the court heard.

His defence barrister said her client “regrets” his behaviour and finding himself back before the courts after progressing well since his 2019 release from jail.

Judge Jonathan Straw told Hudson his offences were “extremely serious”, however he noted a probation report urged the defendant needed mental health treatment.

Hudson, of St James Court, Harpur Hill, admitted assault with actual bodily harm.

He was handed 18 months jailed suspended for two years, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and 18 rehabilitation activity days.

The defendant was made subject of a five-year restraining order.