A SOUTHAMPTON carer repeatedly abused a 20-year-old with cerebral palsy in the middle of a city supermarket by kicking him over and over in the legs and feet.

Edward Peverelle had cared for two brothers who both had learning difficulties, aged 20 and 18, for many years.

But on one trip to Tesco last year, he was seen kicking the man over a period of 20 minutes by concerned shoppers and members of staff.

Southampton Magistrates Court heard how the 58-year-old market trader was shopping with the brothers on February 5 last year at Tesco in Millbrook.

Peverelle, of Hinkler Road, Southampton, was seen kicking the 20-year-old in the back of the leg and the feet by a customer, who became concerned.

Prosecuting, solicitor Dan O'Neill told the court that the customer then saw him do it again 20 minutes later.

He said: "At first she carried on with her shopping, but then saw the group again, and once more Mr Peverelle kicked him in the back of the knee and the foot. According to her evidence in court, this was 'just too hard' to be an attempt to simply move the brothers along.

"In total, Mr Peverelle kicked the 20-year-old in the legs and feet four times during their shop. The customer then raised this with a member of staff, who said she had also spotted the incidents."

The court heard how Peverelle had been a carer for the two men for many years, but they had lost them after the neglect.

The carer pleaded not guilty to the offence, but was found guilty by trial. Magistrates said there was insufficient evidence to say that the actions constituted that of a disability hate crime.

Defending, solicitor Peter Humphreys said that Peverelle and his partner hoped to be able to care for the pair again in the future.

The 58-year-old was given a 12-month community order and made to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

He also must pay £300 in court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.