Charles Law, 48, of Borehamwood, in Herts, admitted assaulting a boy of 13 after he was teased about it by a group of teenagers.

St Albans Crown Court heard he pretended to have a knife and lashed out, kicking one boy in the knee.

Julia Flanagan, defending, said Law had a tendency to over-react when teased, but would now shave off his moustache.

'Matter of pride'

Law was given a two-year conditional discharge over the offence on Christmas Eve last year and told to pay three boys £75 damages for their "frightening" ordeal.

The court heard he had been in trouble before with moustache-related incidents and had convictions for affray and threats.

Ms Flanagan said her client had promised to shave his spectacular growth to avoid further trouble.

Judge John Plumstead said: "I have mixed feelings about his decision to give up his moustache.

"It is plainly a matter of pride, and it must have taken a great deal of time and work to develop."

The judge said Law had "put the boys to flight by a show of force which convinced them he had a knife".