A DRUG user from Worcester punched a security guard on the forehead after he was caught trying to steal coffee.

Shane Pinfield, of Averley Close, Warndon, lashed out at the guard while he was being held in the Co-op in the Bullring, St John's, Worcester, Worcester.

The 31-year-old was being held while the police arrived because security spotted him trying to take three jars of coffee worth £21 at about 8.30pm on Sunday.

Douglas Marshall, for the prosecution, said: "He started abusing the security man, saying, You're black, you don't belong in this country', before taking a swipe at him, which missed.

"He then punched him in the forehead, causing swelling which only went down a day later. Police arrived and had to restrain him because he was very aggressive.

"He was taken to the station and admitted hitting the security guard and attempting to steal the coffee, but denied the racist comments."

Worcester magistrates heard Pinfield was on bail for two other thefts, for which he will stand trial next month.

Mr Marshall said Pinfield had eight previous offences of failing to surrender to bail.

Robert Stanley, for the defence, said: "My client is a man with a recent heroin addiction, and he has never had any support in his quest to rid himself of that habit.

"He made an early guilty plea, and told the police he stole the coffee to sell it to get some methadone. He still has a heroin habit and wants to get clean. He has had no intervention from the courts in terms of a drug programme."

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report until Wednesday, June 13, when Pinfield will also be sentenced for two other offences.