A CIVIL engineer attacked a pizza shop worker after being taunted by his former partner who was with another man, a court heard yesterday.

Drunken Paul Palayam, 32, repeatedly punched Goad Badel after getting a take-away from Pizza King, Market Square, South Shields, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Palayam, of Brunswick Street, in the town, told police he was disgusted by his actions, but had no recollection of the attack.

He was given a two-year community rehabilitation order after pleading guilty to assault and affray.