A man will face court after refusing to wear a face mask and allegedly assaulting a worker in an Upper Hunter store on October 19.
The man entered a store on Mayne Street at Murrurundi just after 4pm, without wearing a face mask.
A 30-year-old employee offered the man a mask, when the man allegedly became verbally aggressive towards the worker and left.
A short time later, the man returned, walked behind the counter, and allegedly assaulted the employee repeatedly.
The 53-year-old also tried to drag the worker from the store while threatening him.
Customers went to help the injured man, and the alleged aggressor left the scene.
The store employee was treated by paramedics for cuts and bruises to his face and swelling to his left eye, before being taken to Murrurundi Hospital.
He has since been released.
Police were called and started investigations.
Soon after, officers attended a home on Rosella Street, Murrurundi, and arrested the 53-year-old man.
He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The man was granted conditional bail, to appear at Scone Local Court on November 18.
