A row over a hamburger thrown in a Worcester city centre street in the early hours has led to a 22-year-old man having to pay out £1,000 and do unpaid work.

William Worthington, of Woodward Parks, Fladbury, near Evesham, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to assaulting Joshua Thomas causing him actual bodily harm.

He was given a 12-month community order with supervision by the probation service and a requirement to undertake a specified activity programme.

He must also do 150 hours unpaid work and pay £500 court costs and £500 to his victim.

Lee Egan, prosecuting, said Mr Thomas and friends were in the city centre at 3 am on August 20 last year when a girl in the party was hit by a hamburger. Words were exchanged with another group and this resulted in Worthington twice punching Mr Thomas in the face. His lip was cut and his teeth damaged.

Mr Egan said Mr Thomas had lost three days work, was unable to sleep properly and was likely to lose three teeth during a course of treatment.

Mark Lister, for Worthington, submitted references from his employer and youth worker. He had one previous caution for common assault. He had been made redundant six weeks ago from his £300-a-week job.

Judge Michael Cullum warned Worthington about drinking and getting into trouble. The offence had been an attack in a public place in the early hours which made it very serious.