A MAN who thought someone was using a security camera to spy on his girlfriend tried to break the devices, a court has heard.

The man, 33-year-old Richard Hill, later assaulted the operator when confronting him over his use of the devices.

Peter Jordan managed the security cameras in an alleyway outside three properties just off Broad Street, in Worcester city centre, on behalf of the landlord, Ian Perks.

While watching the feed on Wednesday, January 22, he saw Richard Hill walking up the alleyway carrying a pole, which he used to hit the camera before walking away.

Peter Love, prosecuting, told Worcester Magistrates’ Court that Mr Jordan then went out to check the camera and found that the plastic casing had just been knocked off by the attack.

He replaced the casing and took the incident no further, Mr Love said. Then, on a second occasion, on Tuesday, March 4, Mr Jordan was outside replacing some cabling on the camera system when he saw Hill.

The court heard that he recognised Hill from the camera footage before he was confronted.

“Hill was described to have a go at him,” Mr Love said.

“He was swearing at him and punched him in the face.

“He then head-butted him in the nose and ran off towards the city centre.”

When Hill was interviewed about the offences he said he struck the camera because he was told Mr Jordan was using the device to watch his girlfriend. He said he assaulted him because he had made him angry.

In mitigation, Paul Stanley said there was a dispute between the defendant, of Gresham Road, Dines Green, and the victim.

He said although Mr Jordan was monitoring the cameras for illegal activity for Mr Perks, Hill believed he was doing something he shouldn’t have been.

Hill pleaded guilty to attempted criminal damage and assaulting Mr Jordan when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 21.

Sue Perry, chairman of the magistrates, adjourned the case until April 11 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

She granted Hill bail on the condition he does not contact Peter Jordan or Ian Perks.

He was also told not to attend 36, Broadway, and was required to fully co-operate with the probation service.