Viking enthusiast: Aiden Devlin, 21

A Viking enthusiast has been ordered to take an anger management course after he headbutted a 22-year-old man over a missing axe.

University student Aiden Devlin, 21, confronted Alexander Childs in the middle of Lampeter, West Wales, believing he had stolen the weapon.

The axe was used by Devlin and fellow members of the Trinity St David's University Viking Society in battle re-enactments.

Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court heard how he confronted Mr Childs, 22, saying: 'I'm Aidan Devlin, and I'm a member of the Viking Society. I have it on good authority that you know where Scott Jackson's axe is.'

The court heard how Devlin was furious when Mr Childs 'smirked' at his Viking declaration.

When Mr Childs tried to walk away, Devlin headbutted him.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan said: 'Mr Childs was in a shop in the town centre when he heard someone shout his name.

'Devlin told him he was a member of the Viking Society, which carries out battle reenactments. Devlin said if he found that Mr Childs knew where the axe was he would break his nose.

'Mr Childs denied knowing anything about but Devlin grabbed him and swore at him before headbutting him to the nose.'

Devlin was later arrested at his university halls.

In a police interview Devlin admitted headbutting Mr Childs, saying he had been angry after he thought Mr Childs smirked at him.

Devlin, pictured during a battle re-enactment, accused Alexander Childs of stealing the battle axe

Janem Jones, defending, said: 'This axe was the bone of contention was from a well-respected society. This is something he will never, ever do again.

'He has sought anger management counselling to help control his temper.'

Devlin, now of Belfast, was fined £120 after admitting assault and must pay £100 compensation to Mr Childs.