A WORCESTER racecourse steward was punched in the face after he asked a drunk to move on, a court was told.

Victim Tudor Venning-Smith was attacked by Albert Smith who was only released from prison on licence in February.

Smith, aged 24, who was a resident at Braley House, in the city's Ombersley Road, admitted common assault and also pleaded guilty to a criminal damage charge at the hostel.

Kerry Moreton, prosecuting yesterday, told Worcester magistrates the first incident happened after 63-year-old Mr Venning-Smith, who works for Arena Leisure based at Pitchcroft racecourse, noticed two men near the gates on Friday, July 28, after arriving for work at 4.30pm.

"Both men were drunk and having to hold each other up," said Miss Moreton.

There followed a conversation between the offender and the steward who told him there were no races on.

"He asked them to move on and the defendant took exception and came face-to -face with Mr Smith," said Miss Moreton.

"He was clearly agitated and his fists were clenched.

"Mr Venning-Smith said 'if you don't move on I'll call the police'. The defendant said 'go on then' and punched him in the face. He staggered back and hit him a second time."

The injured steward responded by punching his attacker back with his car keys still in his hand.

Mr Smith was treated for bruising, scratching, and a headache at Ronkswood Hospital.

Justices also heard how Smith kicked in a door at Braley House on Tuesday night causing £200 damage, after trying to gain access to other residents.

James Sommerville, defending, blamed the two incidents on "alcoholic consumption".

"Insofar as the offence last night, he'd been out drinking and wanted to talk to someone," he said.

"It appeared someone wasn't letting him through and he reacted in the way he did, kicking the door down.

"It's most unfortunate for him because this was his residence and now they won't take him back."

Magistrates called for pre-sentence reports and he was remanded in custody until Tuesday, August 22.