Droitwich man assaulted neighbour at Worcester BP petrol station

Simon Hilton, of Baxter Drive, Wychbold, Droitwich, was given a conditional discharge and warned by magistrates any further offending would see him brought back to court. 

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said: "There is a history to this, both parties know each other. 

"On the day in question, at 4.30pm on October 1 last year, Daniel Rogers was in the BP Garage petrol station shop.

COURT: Simon Hilton leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"Hilton shouts at him, and follows him into the petrol station."

Mr Hambling said CCTV showed Hilton had pushed the victim in the assault, before leaving. 

The prosecutor said in his police interview Hilton admitted there had been a confrontation between the pair that day. 

Jo Outhwaite, defending, explained Hilton was living at the accommodation for six months after release from prison and got on with all his neighbours, but Mr Rogers had taken umbrage to him living there. 

Mrs Outwaite said Mr Rogers had made false claims against Hilton, leading to his arrest and spending time in a cell before police then released him with no action taken. 

The solicitor said before the incident Hilton's mum had gone to the accommodation and faced verbal abuse from the victim, which had further made him cross. 

CASE: Worcester Magistrates Court

She said at the petrol station Mr Rogers had told Hilton he could "enjoy being homeless", hinting that he was trying to get him evicted. 

Mrs Outwaite said it was no excuse but explained why Hilton had then made the open-handed push to the victim. 

READ MORE: Persistent nuisance offender manages to avoid jail

READ MORE: 'You've got the wrong house': Man threw bricks at cars during drunken rampage

"There were no injuries," the solictor said.

Mrs Outwaite told magistrates she had advised Hilton to stay away from the property which he was doing, currently living at his parents' address.

For the latest court and crime stories why not sign up to Sam Greenway's weekly newsletter? It's easy, just sign up for our email newsletters here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.

Sentencing him for assault by beating Sandie Morgan, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Hilton he was receiving the conditional discharge which meant he was not being punished but would be if he committed another offence in the next six months. 

Hilton was ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £26.

The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (February 2).