‘Desperate’ thief spat in police officer’s face though hole in custody cell door

A prolific shoplifter who spat in a police officer's face while in custody has been locked up. Paul Mott, of Grange Close, Warwick[1], stole a variety of bottles of alcohol each time he visited a shop on the Parade in Leamington Spa[2] over a prolonged period of criminality between July and September. On one occasion, as he tried to leave without paying, a store worker challenged him and he pushed the worker towards a table.

The 28-year-old was arrested and brought into police custody. While routine observations were being carried out he spat at an officer through a hole in the door. He was subsequently charged with 14 counts of thefts from a store, one count of attempted theft from a store, one count of assault by beating and one count of assault by beating an emergency worker.

Appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Wednesday (November 22) Mott pleaded guilty to all 17 offences and was jailed for 45 weeks. He was also ordered to pay compensation. Warwickshire[4] Police Sergeant Trent McMurray said: "Mott has repeatedly targeted this shop in Leamington over a three-month period and has caused them to suffer financial loss.

He is a prolific and persistent offender who has shown desperation in assaulting those who challenge him. "Whether it's a member of the public or one of our officers, it's never acceptable to assault someone else and I am delighted he's now in jail. I hope this stretch behind bars will give him an opportunity to reconsider his actions and result a positive change in behaviour."

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References

1. ^ Warwick (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
2. ^ Leamington Spa (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
3. ^ Police in urgent appeal to find girl, 15, reported missing two days ago (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
4. ^ Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
5. ^ here. (data.reachplc.com)