Colchester man Danny Henderson punched shop worker

Danny Henderson launched his brutal assault in Colchester on the member of staff who was “simply going about his work”.

Advocates at Colchester Magistrates’ Court were told the 39-year-old's one-punch attack on September 15 was committed completely out of the blue.

A magistrates report reads: “This was a single punch to the face of a shop worker.

“[It was] totally unprovoked. The victim was simply going about his work.”

The court heard this was only the most recent of a litany of offences instigated by Henderson, of De Grey Road, Colchester.

Abuse - Henderson abused his neighbours in De Grey Place (Image: Google)

On July 12, he harassed his neighbours by behaving disorderly and being abusive and insulting to his three victims, as well as threatening to harm them.

The ugly tirade of abuse was performed in front of children as residents watched on in horror.

It was also said to be “racially aggravated”.

Henderson then attempted to resist arrest as a policewoman tried to detain him.

The magistrates report continues: “These are three separate racially aggravated offences committed on the same date against three separate victims, all neighbours of the defendant.

“The defendant threatened violence and caused fear [while] children were present.

“The offences were committed within a residential area in the presence of members of the public.”

Court - Colchester Magistrates' Court

The court also heard the victims continue to fear for their safety following the harrowing incident.

Henderson admitted three counts of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He also admitted resisting arrest.

Henderson was handed a four month prison sentence, suspended for two years during his appearance at court.

He has been ordered to undertake up to 40 days of a rehabilitation activity with the probation service and must pay £50 in compensation to each of his victims.