A YOUNG man who suffered a traumatic childhood was given the opportunity to get the help he needs by magistrates.

Shane Butler, 20, appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 5 where he faced four counts of assault by beating and a charge of sending communication conveying a threatening message.

Two counts of assault were committed against a teenage girl, who cannot be named for a legal reasons, while the text related to a teenage boy, who also cannot be named.

The court heard how the other two assaults were committed against Cory Lawrence and Jeremy Oseman outside the Maylord Shopping Centre in Hereford on May 1.

His defence explained how a recent spell in custody for breaking a restraining order had been a 'wake up' call for him to get help.

In mitigation, the court heard from Butler's former foster mother, who explained Butler had been neglected as a child by his drug addicted birth parents.

His probation officer said Butler had a 'terrible' childhood and said she was happy to continue to help him but said Butler must stop smoking cannabis.

Butler was sentenced to a two year community order including participation on a Thinking Skills programme and was ordered to pay costs and compensation totalling £555.

One of the magistrates told Butler: "It would be fair to say that you are extremely lucky to have people who believe in you and you should be grateful for this opportunity."