A W H Smith worker has been ordered to pay compensation to a workmate whom he attacked over a disputed debt of just £100.

Russell Mills was working at the firm’s newspaper distribution depot in Exeter when he attacked victim Rageb Bousaida in full view of shocked colleagues.

Mills and Mr Bousaida had been friends but had fallen out over money after Mills sold the other man his car.

Mr Bousaida was repaying him in instalments but there was a dispute over the final £100 which led to the attack on the shop floor of the warehouse.

The victim had four teeth knocked out and made an impact statement in which he said he feels as if he had lost his smile.

Mills was sacked after the attack in June 2015 and is unemployed and living in a caravan with his dog as a result of being evicted from his home, Exeter Crown Court was told.

Mills, aged 59, of Marks Farm, Longdown, near Exeter, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for six months, suspended for 18 months and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work and pay £900 compensation by Recorder Mr Donald Tait.

He told him: ‘I have watched the CCTV of this attack and it was unpleasant. It was in the workplace and was unpleasant not just for Mr Bousaida but for the other people working there.

‘You know this is not the way to resolve differences with other people. For whatever reason, you lost your temper and for a split second you also lost your self control.’

Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said both men had worked at the same W H Smith distribution depot for many years and had been good friends until the dispute over the repayments for the car.

He said Mills had approached Mr Bousaida and became angry. The victim told him not to be stupid and to think about his job but he punched him hard in the face.

He was dragged off by colleagues but broke free and landed a second punch before a supervisor intervened and led him away.

One top front tooth was knocked out onto the floor, another fell out shortly afterward, and two bottom teeth were loosened and had to be removed by a dentist.

Mr Bousaida missed two days work because of the injury and has been quoted £8,000 for implants, which he cannot afford.

He made a victim impact statement which said he was traumatised and shocked. He said: ‘I struggle to speak clearly and I am very aware of my missing teeth when I am smiling. It has impacted on my family. I have been left permanently disfigured.’

Mr Warren Robinson, mitigating, said a probation report had concluded the offence was impulsive and Mills is at low risk of re-offending.

He said Mills is now living in a van with his dog and surviving on benefits but hopes to work as a driver or labourer once this case is behind him.

He said he had managed to save £300 towards compensation and would be able to pay more once he is back in work.