A Dunmow man has admitted stealing alcohol from a convenience store before attacking a member of staff who chased him down the street.
Daniel Rudkin, 19, of The Causeway, stole two bottles of vodka from Great Dunmow Co-op in White Street before assaulting the member of staff, who had caught up with him.
The Co-op employee was taken to hospital for treatment after suffering head and facial injuries in the attack.
Rudkin, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty to theft and wounding with intent at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday, May 2.
The court heard how Rudkin suffered with mental health conditions and was on the autistic spectrum.
Judge Jonathan Seely told Rudkin that the court wanted to find out more about him before sentencing and allowed six weeks for a psychiatric report to be undertaken.
A provisional date for sentencing was set for June 14.
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