A TAVISTOCK man has received a restraining order after assaulting a member of staff at Morrisons in an ‘unprovoked and shocking attack’.

The incident occurred at the Morrisons café in Tavistock, on Friday, August 18, sometime between 3.20pm and 5pm.

Stephen Johnson was charged with assault following the incident, which saw a female staff member grabbed by the hair and punched in the head.

Police said they believe the incident started due to a complaint in the store over the food in the café.

Johnson, 52, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates Court on Monday, August 21, charged with three offences, though two were dropped in court.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and was given a ten week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months, 100 hours unpaid work, a rehabilitation order for up to 15 days, and a two year restraining order. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation.

West Devon sector inspector Mark Sloman said: ‘A male was a customer in Morrisons when he assaulted a female member of staff after a dispute with her.

'He grabbed her by the hair and then punched her, resulting in her losing consciousness for a short time.

‘It was a completely unprovoked and shocking attack.

‘People should feel safe when they go to work each day and police will deal as robustly as possible with offenders who seem to think they can take the law into their own hands and carry out this sort of act.’