A DRUNKEN man who punched a Worcester racecourse official in the face after he was told to leave the area has been jailed by city magistrates.

Albert Smith admitted assaulting the 63-year-old, as well as criminal damage, which he caused at a hostel he was staying in.

Kerry Moreton, prosecuting, said 24-year-old Smith had been with a friend when he assaulted Tudor Venning-Smith on the afternoon of Friday, July 28.

"The two men were drunk and holding on to each other," she said.

"They asked him if there was any racing on that day, but he was quite concerned about them being there and he told them to leave.

"One of the men then walked up close to him and started moving himself from side to side."

She said Smith started behaving aggressively and the racecourse official warned them he may have to call the police.

The defendant punched him in the face, causing Mr Venning-Smith to stagger back before being hit a second time and retaliated to defend himself.

Mr Venning-Smith was treated for minor injuries at Ronkswood Hospital.

Police were called and arrested Albert Smith.

Miss Moreton said Smith had also caused £200 criminal damage to Braley House on Tuesday, August 1, by smashing a door and door frame.

She said he became angry because they were locked and he wanted to gain access to another part of the building to see some other residents of the hostel he had befriended.

Edward Gaynor-Smith, defending, said his client was a different character when under the influence of alcohol, which he was when the crimes were committed.

"He has had trouble with alcohol in the past and realises the need to curb this," he said.

"He admits when he's very drunk he tends to take the wrong view on things. There's very little common sense."

Smith was sentenced to four months in prison for the attack, an extra month for the criminal damage, and was ordered to pay Mr Venning-Smith £200 compensation.