A TAVISTOCK man has admitted assaulting a man with mental difficulties, when he appeared before Plymouth Magistrates Court last week.

Simon McGowan, aged 25, assaulted the 62-year-old man at the bus station in Tavistock.

McGowan, of Tavy Road, admitted assaulting the man by beating him on June 23.

Angela Furniss, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said McGowan approached the man who was drinking tea at the kiosk at about 1pm.

She added McGowan was 'swearing, aggressive and angry'.

Mrs Furniss said he said something about being owed money, but the victim told him he did not know what he was talking about.

She added he kicked the legs of the man's chair away, knocking him to the floor.

Mrs Furniss said McGowan then pushed the complainant against a wall.

Stephan Walker, for McGowan, said he also had psychiatric problems.

He added he had been drinking that day and was seeking treatment for his alcohol problem.

Magistrates gave McGowan a three-year conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £200 in compensation.