AN irate shopper spat at a female show worker on two separate occasions after she challenged him for entering the store when banned.

Atar Dafa was convicted of the vile and disgusting assault offence following a trial at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

It was heard that on May 26, Dafa entered the store on Winwick Road, where he was approached by a staff member.

Dafa had been banned from the store following a previous incident and the staff member informed him of this, refusing further entry.

It was at this point Dafa became irate and verbally abusive to her, calling her derogatory names, at which point she decided to call the police.

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While on the phone, the shop worker distanced herself from Dafa, who continued to aggressively walk towards her, before proceeding to spit at her, which hit her in the chest.

He then left the store – but he returned a short time later, again hurling abuse at her and spitting again in her direction.

These incidents were caught on CCTV, and investigating officers from Cheshire Police were able to quickly locate Dafa, who was arrested at his home on suspicion of assault.

Despite denying spitting at the shop worker, Dafa was subsequently charged and appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court.

Here, he was issued with a two-year restraining area preventing him from contacting the victim and entering the store on Winwick Road.

The 52-year-old, of Padgate Lane, was also prohibited from entering a named Warrington street.

Following the hearing, PC Aidan Lever said: “No one should go to their place of work and be subjected to abuse of any kind.

“I do hope that with the issuing of this restraining order against Dafa, the victim in this case can begin to move past this incident and continue working without fear of harassment.

“We will always take action and support anyone who has been the subject of assault, harassment or abuse at work or otherwise, regardless of how small it may seem.

“Please do not hesitate to contact us – we are here to help.”