Dad hit babysitter in face

A FATHER hit a babysitter in the face when she challenged him over being too drunk to supervise his children, a court heard today.Cromer magistrates court heard how 29-year-old Shane Fletcher, from Catfield, had been to a Hallowe'en party on October 31 last year before heading to the Swan Inn at Stalham to meet his wife and two children who had been out trick or treating.

A FATHER hit a babysitter in the face when she challenged him over being too drunk to supervise his children, a court heard today.

Cromer magistrates court heard how 29-year-old Shane Fletcher, from Catfield, had been to a Hallowe'en party on October 31 last year before heading to the Swan Inn at Stalham to meet his wife and two children who had been out trick or treating.

Tracey Grimmer, who used to babysit for Fletcher, became concerned that he was too drunk to look after the children and challenged him, the court was told.

Gary Mayle, prosecuting, said Fletcher hit Ms Grimmer in the face, knocking her glasses to the floor, cutting her eye and giving her a nose bleed.

Mitigating, Ross Burrows said two witnesses had stated Ms Grimmer slapped Fletcher before he lashed out, but that he accepted his actions were disgraceful and has since apologised.

Fletcher, of Elderbush Lane, Catfield, pleaded guilty to common assault on December 17.

He was ordered on January 14 to complete a six month supervision order, 130 hours of unpaid work and pay �50 compensation.