Notorious Shoplifter Steven Wood Jailed After Assaulting Police Officer
Shoplifting Sting Ends in Violence
Steven Wood, 44, a well-known shoplifter from Wavell Road, Southampton, was locked up after a violent run-in with police. Just before 10pm on Friday 25 February, two Police Community Support Officers spotted Wood sneaking out of a 1 Express store in Witts Hill with a bag of stolen fish and meat products, bypassing the till. When officers challenged him, Wood got aggressive and assaulted one of them.
Guilty Plea Lands Him Behind Bars
Wood was swiftly arrested and charged with assaulting an emergency worker and theft. At Southampton Magistrates Court on 28 February, he pleaded guilty to both offences. The court handed down a two-month prison term for the latest crimes.
Previous Sentences Add Up to Eight Months
Wood’s conviction also triggered a suspended sentence for earlier shoplifting offences. This added 24 weeks to his time, meaning he will serve a total of eight months behind bars.
Police Praise Court’s Tough Stance
“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.
“PCSO was simply doing his job and suffered no lasting injury. We are glad the courts have taken a firm stance to protect both the community and the police, the guardians of that community.”
