A TEENAGER who headbutted a girl has been convicted of assault after a CCTV operator zoomed in on their argument in Worcester High Street.
Matthew Hoskins' solicitor told Worcester Magistrates Court that many people would consider the use of cameras in this way instrusive, particularly as the girl was uninjured and did not wish to press charges.
Hoskins, of Crickley Drive, Warndon, Worcester, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and must now await a probation report with view to a "low range" community sentence. Marie Watton, prosecuting, said the CCTV operator was alerted to the pair by a security guard in Worcester's CrownGate shopping centre.
The colour video, taken from a camera at the Elgar statue at the end of High Street at 3.20pm on Wednesday, May 31, was shown in court.
Miss Watton said: "The injured party is shown to be quite distressed. When police officers turned up at the house she didn't want to pursue the complaint.
"He told police, `I have assaulted her. I can't believe what I've done. I hate myself.'
"He said he was frustrated as she was ignoring him so to get her attention he hit his head against her."
Andy Childs, defending, said it was clear Hoskins, aged 19, had "crossed the line" and an assault had happened but highlighted the role played by CCTV.
He said: "This would never have been reported but for the presence of the camera. Half the nation will think this is a good thing, half will think its intrusive.
"She has been imploring me to get the case dropped."
Mr Childs said the girl, who cannot be named, was "poked, pushed, pinched, flicked and jabbed" before the headbutt which "was not intended to hurt although clearly was upsetting."
Magistrates adjourned the case until Monday, August 7, when the probation service will advise whether Hoskins is suitable for an anger managment course.
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