A DISABLED man arguing with his visually-impaired girlfriend hit a supermarket boss who was trying to break up the row.

Robert Davies began arguing with his partner in the bakery isle of Sainsbury's.

Worcester magistrates heard how store manager Mark Jones stepped in when it looked as though Davies was about to strike his girlfriend.

Kerry Moreton, prosecuting, said the manager ended up with "reddened skin" after Davies lashed out on Monday, December 3, last year.

Davies then had to be restrained by staff until police arrived.

Ms Moreton said Davies, of Rodborough Drive, Warndon, denied the assault and affray in a police interview.

She said two warrants had been issued for the 54-year-old's arrest when he failed to appear for previous hearings.

Magistrates yesterday found him guilty in his absence of assault, affray and two bail act offences.

David Jackson, defending, said Davies and his girlfriend suffered from significant problems and asked the court to be sympathetic.

Magistrates placed Davies under a 12-month community rehabilitation order and ordered him to pay £50 compensation and £50 court costs.