AN ASDA security guard was assaulted after stopping a drunk shoplifting suspect.

Jason Maxwell, 36, of Lumphinnans Road, Lochgelly, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

He admitted that on July 2 at Asda, Halbeath Retail Park, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by repeatedly shouting, swearing, challenging people to fight, removing his upper clothing and throwing paint at a wall.

He also admitted that he assaulted the security guard by repeatedly pushing him and striking him on the body.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said: “The complainer is a security guard at Asda and saw the accused in the store at about 9.15pm. It was believed he had something in his possession he had not paid for.

“Two security guards spoke to him, the item was taken and they went back into the store.”

Maxwell left the area but returned shortly afterwards as staff were contacting the police.

“The accused was shouting at three security officers and took his top off. He then barged into (the complainer) and began prodding him. The was a scuffle between them on the ground.”

When this struggle broke up, Maxwell picked up a pot of paint from outside the store and throw it over a wall.

Police arrived at the scene and found Maxwell with his shirt off and clearly under the influence of alcohol, added the depute.

Defence solicitor Emma Farmer said her client was a heroin addict and had started taking drugs at the age of 16.

On this occasion, he had been drinking alcohol and had “very little recollection as he was heavily under the influence”, added the solicitor.

She said Maxwell was in court last week, admitting three shoplifting offences. He will be sentenced for those crimes and also this latest offence on July 20.

Sheriff Craig McSherry granted bail but imposed a 7pm-7am home curfew on Maxwell.