A man from Warrington has been handed a two-year restraining order after verbally abusing a shop worker and spitting on her.
Atar Dafa, of Padgate Lane, Warrington, was found guilty of section 39 assault against a staff member at a convivence store on Winwick Road, Warrington.
During his hearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court, it was heard that on 26 May, Dafa entered the Winwick Road store, 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 the shop worker, calling her derogatory names, at which point she decided to call police.
While on the phone to police, 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, before returning shortly after, again hurling abuse at her and spitting again in her direction.
These incidents were caught on CCTV and investigating officers were able to quickly locate Dafa, who was arrested at his home on suspicion of section 39 assault.
Despite denying spitting at the shop worker, Dafa was subsequently charged and appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Friday 22 November where 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 was also prohibited from entering the Longford Street area of Warrington.
Police Constable Aidan Lever, of Warrington LPU, 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, so please do not hesitate to contact us – we are here to help.”
