A COMMUNITY crime-fighter is battling to keep his job after being prosecuted for assaulting a teenager while on duty in a Hampshire village.

Norman Bareham's official clearance to serve as an Accredited Community Safety Officer (ACSO) in the Hythe and Dibden area has been withdrawn by police.

It follows a court case last month in which Mr Bareham - a former police officer - admitted assaulting a 16-year-old boy.

The 68-year-old from Dibden Purlieu was given an absolute discharge because of his previous good character, which meant he received neither a punishment nor a criminal record.

However, the decision to remove his accreditation means his role in the community is now in doubt.

Last night Mr Bareham's supporters said he might be able to remain as an employee of the parish council - but with reduced powers.

A motion put forward by Cllr Malcolm Wade is due to be debated at a meeting next Wednesday.

The motion says the council should recognise the huge public support for Mr Bareham and continue to employ him in a community safety role - "whether accredited or not" - for the benefit of the parish.

ACSOs are civilians employed by local authorities.

But they wear police-style clothing and deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour. Any ACSO stripped of their accreditation loses the power to issue fixed penalty notices.

Mr Bareham said: "People are trying to find a way around the problem.

"It's a job I've loved doing and if I can't carry on as an ACSO I would be delighted to serve as a community safety officer."

As reported in the Daily Echo, Mr Bareham has been suspended since an incident in the centre of Hythe in April.

He was called to the Waitrose store following reports that staff felt intimidated by a group of youths making gestures.

Mr Bareham tried to speak to one of the group but was ignored - so he took him by the shoulder and moved him away from the others.

Last night a police spokesman said: "We can confirm that vetting clearance for ACSO Norman Bareham has been removed.

"It is standard practice to review an individual’s vetting status when new information comes to light.

"In this case the information included Mr Bareham’s plea of guilty to assault."

Parish clerk Stephanie Bennett said Mr Bareham remained suspended on full pay while the council completed an internal investigation.