AN Upton man smashed a can of beer into his friend's face as he sat enjoying enjoying the town's folk festival, a court heard.

Stephen Warner lashed out at Dave Benson, who he had known for a year, as he drank with three female friends at The Talbot on Monday, May 7. The victim heard someone say his name before the can came towards his face.

"He tried to duck but it happened so fast," said Susan Cliff, prosecuting at Droitwich Magistrates' Court.

After deflecting two punches aimed at his head, Mr Benson heard Warner, of the Badhams, Upton, say: "That's for laughing at me."

Warner, aged 38, who has a previous conviction for violent crime, admitted assault.

"He has since apologised and they are friends again," said defence solicitor Dale Sheehan.

Warner was given a 150-hour community punishment order and told to pay £250 compensation and £250 costs.