A 27-year-old Shropshire man attacked a restaurant owner in a dispute over a former girlfriend, a court heard.

Adam Moorcroft had drunk up to eight cans of lager prior to the assault outside the Kings Arms pub in in Cleobury Mortimer.

Victim Robert Smith, a partner in The Exchange Brasserie was confronted by Moorcroft who pushed him and grabbed his Tshirt.

Magistrates at Telford heard yesterday that Moorcroft used the Tshirt to pull Mr Smith's head downwards before kneeing him in the face in February this year.

Mr Smith was left with blood pouring from his nose and swelling and bruising to his left eye.

The court was told that earlier in the day Moorcroft had got into Mr Smith's flat above the brasserie in High Street where he told the victim to keep away from Donna Keegan, his former girlfriend.

Mike Phillips, prosecuting, said Moorcroft later went to the Spar shop where he asked part-time assistant Emma Long, who he knew from school, if he could take her for a meal.

She decided to serve Moorcroft, who was banned from the store, because he seemed agitated and politely turned down his invitation.

Mr Phillips said that Moorcroft then made a rude and suggestive remark towards Miss Long which was heard by other customers.

At court yesterday Moorcroft, of Childe Road, Cleobury Mortimer, admitted charges of threatening behaviour and assault and sentence was adjourned until July 6 for reports.

A police application for a criminal antisocial behaviour order against Moorcroft will be considered on the same day.

Magistrates imposed an immediate two-year restraining order preventing Moorcroft having contact with Miss Long and he is also banned from the Spar store.

He was granted bail with conditions of not contacting Robert Smith or entering pubs and off-licences.

Mr Stephen Scully, for Moorcroft, said his client had been drinking and happened to see Mr Smith for a second time at the pub by chance, but conceded there was a heated exchange and he had lost his temper.