A man who headbutted an anti-asylum hotel protester told a court he had just been trying to visit his grandmother.

Jak Costello, 26, said he had not been part of the noisy demonstration outside the Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe but had inadvertently become caught up in it while trying to walk past.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told when he had been confronted by one protester he had headbutted him in the face.

It followed a large protest on July 29 against the hotel being used to house asylum seekers, one of numerous similar demonstrations that have drawn hundreds of activists from across the UK.

READ MORE: Man headbutted during protest at Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe

Costello, of Norwich Road in Costessey, was charged over the incident following a police review of video footage of the event.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to a single charge of assault by beating.

Representing himself at a sentencing hearing, he said: “I was passing through the protest. There was no avoiding it.

“I was just walking to my grandmother’s house and was aggravated by one of the protesters.”

Police body-worn video of the incident played in court captured the moment he aimed the headbutt while surrounded by demonstrators, some chanting “England’s rising – people have had enough”.

READ MORE: Hundreds gather outside hotel housing asylum seekers as protests continue

READ MORE: 999 called after asylum seeker hotel protester facing jail collapses in court dock

Simon Jessup, prosecuting, said: “This had the potential to be seriously inflammatory given the situation and could have led to fairly serious consequences.”

He said the headbutt had involved “substantial force”.

Jak Costello was not part of the protesting when the incident occurred (Image: Newsquest)

The court was told the protester on the receiving end of the blow had not provided a statement and did not support the prosecution.

Costello was sentenced to a 12 month community order with requirements to complete 80 hours unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days.

District Judge Matthew Bone told him his actions had been a “very silly thing to do” that had risked public safety and things “kicking off”.