The former chairman of a local ‘Pubwatch’ scheme has been found guilty of head-butting a regular after he accused him of stealing ashtrays and cigarettes.

Simon Stevenson, 42, of Dinnington, Rotherham, head-butted Mark Smith in the local Co-op after accusing him of stealing the boxes used for collecting cigarettes from outside the Gallows Pub in Dinnington.

Stevenson confronted Mr Smith in the Co-op store on Outgang Lane, Dinnington and demanded his “fags and ashtrays back” said the crown prosecution solicitor, Susan Fisher.

The court was shown CCTV footage of the assault. Stevenson could be seen arguing with Mr Smith at the checkout area, after which he walked up to him and head-butted him on the nose.

Mr Smith staggered backwards with his nose gushing with blood whilst Stevenson who was dressed in a black hoody left the shop.

Stevenson lives at the Gallows Pub with his partner who is the licensee, and his two teenage sons.

At the time of the attack Stevenson was the chairman of the Rother Valley Pubwatch scheme, a position which he has since resigned from.

Ms Fisher told the court that Mr Smith was worried about going to the shops and pubs in Dinnington since the attack.

Stevenson was found guilty of assault when he appeared before Rotherham magistrates today.

Defending solicitor Jill Page described Stevenson’s actions as a “momentary aberration.” She said he was previously of good character.

Ms Page told the court that Stevenson had undertaken charity work in the area and was “extremely well thought of”.

She said Stevenson was at the “end of his tether” because of persistent thefts at the pub. He appreciated his actions would have devastating effects on future possible applications to take over the licence of the pub.

Stevenson was given a twelve months conditional discharge by the magistrate, Mr Long . He was also ordered to pay the victim £50 compensation and to pay £40 in court costs.