Shoplifter Steven Wood Jailed After Assaulting Police Officer
Steven Wood, 44, from Southampton, has been locked up for eight months after attacking a police officer and shoplifting. The prolific thief sparked a violent scene in a local store before being caught red-handed.
Police Spot Shoplifting, Violence Erupts
On the evening of Friday 25 February, two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) were patrolling Witts Hill, Southampton, when they noticed Wood entering the 1 Express store. Instead of heading to the tills, Wood walked straight out with a bag full of stolen fish and meat products.
When officers confronted him, Wood turned aggressive and physically assaulted one of the PCSOs before being arrested at the scene.
Sentenced to Eight Months for Assault and Theft
Appearing at Southampton Magistrates Court on 28 February, Wood pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and theft. He was sentenced to two months in prison.
Because of a previous suspended sentence linked to prior shoplifting offences, the judge added another 24 weeks. Wood will now serve a total of eight months behind bars.
Police Praise Court for Protecting Community
“Steven Wood has presented a persistent threat to the community for a prolonged period of time. The community is now safer while he remains in prison,” said a Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson.
“A PCSO was simply doing his job and looking to protect that community. Fortunately, he suffered no lasting injury. We are glad that the courts have seen fit to protect the community and the police, the protectors of the community, in this way.”
